Investigation on modal characteristics and influencing factors of a non-pneumatic tire with bionic sunflower structure

The study of tire vibration characteristics is crucial for optimizing tire structural parameters and improving the vehicle's noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) characteristics. Addressing the influence of elastic support stiffness and mass distribution on the vibration characteristics of current non-pneumatic tires, this paper proposes a novel bionic sunflower-inspired non-pneumatic tire (BSNPT) featuring layer-specific stiffness control. A numerical simulation model of the BSNPT was developed, and its validity was confirmed through radial stiffness testing. The effects of different operational conditions and structural parameters on the vibrational behavior of the BSNPT were thoroughly examined. The results indicate that an increase in contact load exerts a strengthening effect on the natural frequency of the BSNPT, while elevated rolling speed intensifies centrifugal force effects, leading to a moderate increase in higher-order radial and first-order circumferential frequencies.The natural frequency characteristics of the BSNPT are strongly associated with the design parameters of its transition layer, support layer, annular shear band, and tread layer. This research offers significant guidance for optimizing the structural design and vibrational properties of the bionic sunflower-inspired non-pneumatic tires.