Isogeometric Analysis for Tire Simulations: From Mesh Generation to High Precision Results

Abstract

Isogeometric analysis (IGA) has become an alternative to standard finite element analysis (FEA) in many areas of engineering. Its powerful tools for model generation and flexibility of basis functions make this relatively new approach attractive for tire analysis and its computational challenges. This contribution summarizes the benefits of IGA for complex tire simulations starting from model generation and the subsequent transition to the environment of numerical analysis without losing accuracy at the parametrizing stage. It presents results of further development work on earlier pioneering examples of the application of IGA in pneumatic tire analysis. In addition to the analysis of vertical stiffness, for the first time, velocity and acceleration fields are addressed and compared with experimental results and standard FEA simulations, with a focus on benefits of the continuity of basis functions within the contact patch. The numerical issues that arise in IGA at the enforcement of contact and the application of inelastic materials with inclusions of reinforcing layers are studied. Moreover, the important advantages of the possibility to use higher order functions for simulations of tire maneuvers are addressed within the steady-state framework. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the capabilities of IGA. Concluding remarks on the results close the publication.