Analytical and finite element modelling of the dynamic interaction between off-road tyres and deformable terrains

Automotive tyres are one of the main components of a vehicle and have an extremely complex structure consisting of several types of steel reinforcing layers embedded in hyperelastic rubber materials. They serve to support, drive – accelerate and decelerate – and steer the vehicle, and to reduce transmitted road vibrations. However, driving is associated with certain types of pollution due to CO2 emissions, various particles due to tyre wear, as well as noise. The main source of CO2 emissions is the tyre rolling resistance, which accounts for roughly 30% of the fuel consumed by cars. The phenomenon becomes more pronounced in off-road conditions, where truck vehicles are responsible for about a quarter of the total CO2 emissions. Appropriate legislation has been introduced, to control all of these pollution aspects. Therefore, tyre simulation (especially in off-road conditions) is essential in order to achieve a feasible design of a vehicle, in terms of economy and safety. [Continues.]