Critical Speed Analysis of a Non-Linear Strain Ring Dynamical Model for Aircraft Tires

In this paper, a new model's critical speed predictions for five aircraft tires are compared with a shell finite element model's predictions (with and without centrifugal stiffening), a tread band model's predictions and experimental data. The model presented is a nonlinear, shearable and extensible viscoelastic ring on viscoelastic foundation subjected to an internal pretensioning force and the full complement of inertial forces due to its rotation. This model is referred to as the ring model for the remainder of this paper. Critical speed (linear) analysis of the model's non-linear equations of motion yields results which are in good agreement with experimental data. The model is quicker and less memory intensive than the shell finite element model while still maintaining the same degree of accuracy. It is also more accurate than the tread band model since it incorporates the effects of transverse shear deformation and the full complement of inertial forces.