Development of a Wide Base Rigid Ring Tire Model for Rigid Surfaces

The purpose of this research paper is to outline the procedure behind the parameter population of a wide-base rigid ring model. A rigid ring model is a mathematical representation of a highly non-linear FEA tire model that incorporates the characteristics and behaviour of a known physical tire. The rigid ring model parameters are determined using carefully designed virtual scenarios which will isolate for the parameter in question. Once all of the parameters have been calculated, for in-plane as well as out-of-plane parameters, a full rigid ring model can be populated. This model can also be modified to accommodate for a tire model simulated running over soft soils if necessary. For the purpose of this research however, the soft soil parameters were not determined. Once the rigid ring model is complete, the parameters can be used in a highly simplified virtual model to replicate the known behaviour of the tire but reduce the overall complexity of the full vehicle model.