抄録
In this investigation, a modeling procedure for a tire with flexible belt is developed. The elastic deformation of the belt is modeled using the finite element absolute nodal coordinate formulation which allows for describing large rotational motion and the nonlinear inertia effects; the curved structure of the flexible belt; and moving boundary resulting from tread/road interaction. Using a concept of elastic ring tire models, the sidewall flexibility of tires is modeled using circumferential/radial springs and dampers between the belt and rim, while the tangential tread/road contact force is modeled using friction elements defined at contact nodes within the curved belt elements. Numerical examples are presented in order to demonstrate the use of the flexible tire model developed in this investigation. Good agreements in the tire vibration characteristics obtained using the experiments and the proposed model are demonstrated. It is also shown that the proposed tire model can be used for assessing dynamic characteristics of tires in high frequency ranges resulting from the interaction to uneven roads.
