A preliminary conceptual study for coupled thermo-mechanical and structural characterization of rim-supported run-flat tires

IF 4.4 2区工程技术 Q1 ENGINEERING, MECHANICAL

Engineering Failure Analysis Pub Date : 2025-04-24 DOI:10.1016/j.engfailanal.2025.109617

Behzad Hamedi , Abhishek Saraswat , Jeff Warfford , Cameron Garman , William V. Mars , Saied Taheri

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Rim-supported inserts in run-flat tires (RSS RFTs) ensure extended mobility after a blowout, offering at least 50 miles of operation at 45 mph under zero-pressure conditions. However, excessive heat generation during deflation accelerates rubber aging and degrades performance. To address this, a validated 3D finite element model, coupled with Abaqus/CAE and Endurica co-simulations, is used to analyze strain distribution, contact patch characteristics, and thermo-mechanical behavior.

Results reveal high strain and heat generation concentrated in the contact patch center, intensifying material degradation and the risk of premature failure. Strain redistribution mechanisms, shifting strain from the footprint and inner liner zones toward the sidewall, enhance durability and mobility under repeated loading or deflation scenarios. The methodology optimizes insert designs to mitigate localized stresses, deformation, sidewall warpage, and thermal issues, thereby extending fatigue life in deflated conditions.This study highlights critical design factors influencing the durability and performance of rim-supported run-flat tires (RSS RFTs). Simulation-driven methodologies are employed to evaluate and optimize key parameters such as durability, contact patch footprint area, pressure distribution, radial stiffness, and overall operational efficiency. A nonlinear FEA model in Abaqus/CAE accurately simulates large deformations, material behavior, and tire geometry, validated through mesh convergence studies, sensitivity analyses, and failure mechanism evaluations under diverse loading conditions. Predicted fatigue life and thermal performance align with prior studies, confirming the reliability of the approach and its potential for real-world application.

查看原文本刊更多论文

轮辋支撑跑气轮胎热-力学与结构耦合特性的初步概念研究

扁胎（RSS RFTs）内的轮辋支撑嵌套确保爆胎后的灵活性，在零压力条件下以45英里/小时的速度运行至少50英里。然而，在放气过程中产生的过多热量会加速橡胶老化并降低性能。为了解决这个问题，一个经过验证的三维有限元模型，结合Abaqus/CAE和Endurica联合仿真，用于分析应变分布、接触斑块特性和热力学行为。结果表明，高应变和热的产生集中在接触贴片中心，加剧了材料的降解和过早失效的风险。应变再分配机制，将应变从足迹和内层区域转移到侧壁，提高了重复加载或通货紧缩情况下的耐久性和流动性。该方法优化了嵌套设计，以减轻局部应力、变形、侧壁翘曲和热问题，从而延长了放气条件下的疲劳寿命。本研究重点介绍了影响轮辋支撑扁胎（RSS RFTs）耐久性和性能的关键设计因素。采用仿真驱动的方法来评估和优化关键参数，如耐久性、接触贴片足迹面积、压力分布、径向刚度和整体操作效率。Abaqus/CAE中的非线性有限元模型精确地模拟了大变形、材料行为和轮胎几何形状，并通过网格收敛研究、灵敏度分析和不同载荷条件下的失效机制评估进行了验证。预测的疲劳寿命和热性能与之前的研究结果一致，证实了该方法的可靠性及其在实际应用中的潜力。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Engineering Failure Analysis 工程技术-材料科学：表征与测试

CiteScore

7.70

自引率

20.00%

发文量

956

审稿时长

47 days

期刊介绍： Engineering Failure Analysis publishes research papers describing the analysis of engineering failures and related studies. Papers relating to the structure, properties and behaviour of engineering materials are encouraged, particularly those which also involve the detailed application of materials parameters to problems in engineering structures, components and design. In addition to the area of materials engineering, the interacting fields of mechanical, manufacturing, aeronautical, civil, chemical, corrosion and design engineering are considered relevant. Activity should be directed at analysing engineering failures and carrying out research to help reduce the incidences of failures and to extend the operating horizons of engineering materials. Emphasis is placed on the mechanical properties of materials and their behaviour when influenced by structure, process and environment. Metallic, polymeric, ceramic and natural materials are all included and the application of these materials to real engineering situations should be emphasised. The use of a case-study based approach is also encouraged. Engineering Failure Analysis provides essential reference material and critical feedback into the design process thereby contributing to the prevention of engineering failures in the future. All submissions will be subject to peer review from leading experts in the field.