Finite element simulation of the tyre burst test

The use of predictive finite element (FE) models in tyre design and analysis has become widely popular in recent times. This is largely due to the introduction of high-performance computers in addition to the enhancement in the capabilities of existing proprietary finite element software, thus enabling the efficient use of such tyre models in solving the challenging problems of pneumatic tyre behaviour as an alternative to experimental tests routinely carried out on tyre prototypes. This present work investigates tyre burst behaviour when the tyre is inflated well beyond the manufacturer's recommended maximum pressure. This will help to predict the extent to which a tyre can be loaded before falling catastrophically, thus simulating one of the mandatory tyre qualification tests. Consequently, an axisymmetric finite element tyre model has been developed using the improved capabilities in ABAQUS FE code, which allows the modelling of the tyre burst phenomenon, based on the ultimate strengths of the constituent reinforcement materials. A summary of the results obtained from this model for a passenger car tyre P195/65R15 H91 is presented together with a study of the effect of some tyre design parameters on the tyre burst pressure. Also some recommendations are made for enhancing the functionality of the model.