Font Size: a A A

Investigation of methods for three-dimensional FEA simulation of truck tire retread molding

Posted on:2007-04-06Degree:Ph.DType:Dissertation
University:University of South CarolinaCandidate:Luneau, Michael JamesFull Text:PDF
GTID:1451390005482048Subject:Engineering
Abstract/Summary:PDF Full Text Request
A need to develop a better understanding of the fundamental parameters involved with retread molding has been identified, and a study was undertaken to investigate the use of off-the-shelf technology to simulate the pressing of an uncured rubber tread band into a truck tire retread mold. The benefits of such a simulation are improved design capability and reduced development times. The goal of the study was to develop an understanding of how to successfully simulate the 3-D molding of uncured rubber using commercially available products. It was also desired to compare the simulation results with lab tests to determine their level of accuracy.; Two-dimensional simulations were performed on two different ribbed tread patterns using three different material constitutive laws. The results of the study agreed qualitatively with physical tests. The results showed that the rubber deforms into the bulk of the ribs in smooth contours with even spacing and is compressed under the grooves of the mold. Little difference was observed between two different uncured rubber mixes.; Three-dimensional FEA simulations were also performed on three different problems of increasing complexity. Simulation of ribbed tread patterns was readily possible and produced results similar to those obtained in 2-D. The limitations of the 3-D simulations were contact difficulties attributed to the necessary coarseness of the mesh. Three-dimensional simulations of a one-block example problem gave a good indication of the rubber flow into a representative truck tire tread block. The most complex problem examined was a one-block model from an actual truck tire retread tread pattern. The predictions gave qualitative, first-order agreement with physical tests. Predicted rubber flow patterns on the surface and interior followed that observed through testing. The difficulties in completing the simulations rested with obtaining stable solutions and were most likely due to mesh distortion and material behavior law limitations.; This study showed that finite element simulations of tread pressing of uncured rubber into a block is possible and qualitative agreement with physical tests can be obtained. Although the results are not yet practical for everyday use in the design of 3-D truck tire treads, good progress has been made in understanding the parameters which will lead to successful and productive simulations.
Keywords/Search Tags:Tread, Truck tire, Simulation, Understanding, Uncured rubber, Three-dimensional
PDF Full Text Request
Related items