Predictive Simulation Framework for Tyre Curb Impact Durability Assessment and Design Optimization

With increased deterioration of road conditions worldwide, automotive OEMs face significant challenges in ensuring the durability of structural components. The tyre being the primary point of contact with the road is expected to endure harshest of impacts while maintaining the other performance functions such as Ride & Handling, Rolling resistance, Braking. Thus, it is considered as the most challenging component in terms of design optimization for durability.

The current development method relies on physical testing of initial samples, followed by iterative construction changes to meet durability requirements, often giving trade-off in Ride & Handling performance. To overcome these challenges, a frugal simulation-based methodology has been developed for predicting tyre curb impact durability before vehicle-level testing so that corrective action can be taken during the design stage.