Experimental rubber friction modelling and its applications in tyre finite element analysis

[摘要] Modelling tyre behaviour has been a challenge for many years and even after an extensive research it is almost impossible to predict tyre behaviour only by considering the material properties of its components and the conditions of the environment. The aim of this research was to develop a model, which accurately represents rubber frictional behaviour under different contact pressures and sliding velocities. In this research, two experimental facilities – pin-on-disc and rotational-pin-on-disc, have been designed and manufactured to measure rubber friction. The main test rig (rotational-pin-on-disc) was calibrated and a code for processing the data was developed. Various series of tests have been conducted on different surfaces including steel and sandpapers. A friction model dependent on major parameters of the system (i.e. velocity and contact pressure) was generated. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is commonly used in tyre simulations and in this modelling, constant friction coefficient is normally used, however this can lead to inaccuracies. A 3D tyre model was developed and the friction coefficients were employed in the model. The tyre was modelled in free rolling and then in steering. It was shown that with constant friction coefficient, cornering stiffness increases with increasing normal load. However, in the proposed friction models cornering stiffness increases with normal load up to a peak, after which it starts to decrease. This is in accordance with experimental evidence. In conclusion, considering the results of cornering stiffness, it is suggested to use the generated friction models when a tyre is simulated in FEA.

[发布机构] University:University of Birmingham;Department:School of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering

[关键词] T Technology;TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery