Modelling of an automobile tyre using LS-DYNA3D

This paper describes a finite element model used to investigate the quasi-static behaviour of a stationary automobile tyre vertically loaded against a stiff horizontal surface. The model includes a representation of the tyre, a steel wheel and surface. The tyre is represented in detail by a number of tyre components, the wheel and surface are coarsely modelled. LS-DYNA3D is used to simulate the inflation of the tyre, the fit between the tyre and the wheel and the vertical loading of the tyre against the surface. Simulation results, such as the load-deflection characteristics and the load-tyre/ground contact patch dimensions are compared with mixed success to those obtained experimentally. The stiffness of the tyre components and the inflation pressure are varied independently and the simulation is repeated. The resulting load-tyre/ground contact patch dimensions are discussed in context with the development of a rolling tyre model.