Abstract
Recent progress of computational mechanics enabled us to simulate large-scale coupling problems, in which the interaction between the deformation of tire structure and of surrounding medium can be considered. Using this technology, Bridgestone Corporation has been developed simulation technologies to predict tire performance on nearly all kinds of road surfaces. The technologies are collectively called Comprehensive Road Surroundings Simulation (CROSS). Various kinds of phenomena of tires with arbitrary tread pattern running on deformable medium have been predicted using CROSS technology, for example, hydroplaning phenomenon, driving and braking behaviors on snow, traction performance on soil, and so on.
In this paper, the simulation methodology used in CROSS is introduced. CROSS is based on the finite element method (FEM), the finite volume method (FVM), and the technique to couple them. FEM is used for the structural analysis of a tire, and FVM is used for the fluid flow and yielding analyses of water, snow, and soil. For each analysis, the fluid characteristics are mathematically modelled using appropriate constitutive law, and then the water, snow, and soil are numerically modelled. Furthermore, the fluid/structure interaction between a tire and fluids is considered, where the Lagrangian mesh (tire) and the Eulerian mesh (fluid) are defined independently and their coupling effect is computed. The complex fluid/structure interaction can be analyzed. Predicted results are in good agreement with experimental data.
Keywords:FEM, FVM, hydroplaning, snow traction, off-the-road performance