Finite element method estimation of temperature distribution of automotive tire using one-way-coupled method

Numerical simulation of automotive tires is still a challenging problem due to their complex geometry and structures, as well as the non-uniform loading and operating conditions. Hysteretic loss and rolling resistance are the most crucial features of tire design for engineers. A decoupled numerical model was proposed to predict hysteretic loss and temperature distribution in a tire, however temperature dependent material properties being utilized only during the heat generation analysis stage. Cyclic change of strain energy values was extracted from 3-D deformation analysis, which was further used in a thermal analysis as input to predict temperature distribution and thermal heat generation due to hysteretic loss. This method was compared with the decoupled model where temperature dependence was ignored in both deformation and thermal analysis stages. Deformation analysis results were compared with experimental data available. The proposed method of numerical modeling was quite accurate and results were found to be close to the actual tire behavior. It was shown that one-way-coupled method provides rolling resistance and peak temperature values that are in agreement with experimental values as well.