Modeling the Thermal State of Tires for Power Loss Calculations

A combined thermo-mechanical model has been developed at GMR to aid in reducing tire power loss. The thermal analysis portion of this tire power loss model is the subject of this paper.

A brief overview is first given of existing tire power loss thermal models. The present thermal analysis is then described in detail. It provides solutions to the basic equation of heat transfer within the tire structure and to its surroundings. The solutions are obtained by interpolating between an array of solutions that has been previously generated by use of the finite element nonlinear thermal analysis and stored in a data base. Required experimental inputs are detailed. Examples demonstrating the accuracy of this interpolation scheme are then presented. Conclusions reached are that:

• Interpolation between an array of previously obtained solutions is a viable computational method for determining the thermal state of tires, and
• By interpolation, cost and time of the computer analysis are reduced while accuracy is maintained.