Optimization of tire-ground performance through meshed belt layer structure

Abstract

Using Abaqus finite element software, this study investigates the impact of different carcass belt layer structures on the grounding characteristics of tires. Focusing on the 215/55R17 radial tire, the research proposes a structural optimization scheme and establish a finite element model. The standard tire belt layer structure is replaced with a mesh belt layer structure to achieve optimized performance. Through static loading tests on the tire, the accuracy of the finite element model was validated. By altering the density, number of layers of the mesh belt structure, and radial load of the tire, a simulation analysis is conducted to study the impact on tire deformation and stress on the carcass material. The optimized tire features increased radial stiffness and reduced tread wear. The density of the mesh belt layer in the contact area affects tire deformation as well as the stress on the belt layer and ply layer. The results indicate that the mesh belt layer can effectively absorb the radial load of the tire, optimizing tire deformation by 20% to 30%. Under different loads, the tire with a 70-density mesh belt layer can reduce surface stress by approximately 40%, or around 230J. The mesh belt layer tire can reduce the sensitivity of the tire center to high load stresses, optimizing 25% of the concentrated stress at the shoulder position of the ply layer. When a double-layer belt is used, the strength at the shoulder increases with the number of belt layers, reducing stress by approximately 2-4N. The structural form of the belt layer has little impact on the trend of stored strain energy changes, but the number of belt layers significantly affects the amount of change in the tire’s strain energy. On average, about 10% of the stored strain energy is reduced due to changes in the belt layer structure.