Development of a Transient Dynamic Finite Clement Model for the Drum Testing of a Non-Pneumatic Tire

Non-pneumatic tire (NPT) or airless tire must be designed to meet the required performance such as weight, load carrying capacity and resistance to cyclic loading. The tire dynamic response is also needed to be observed since the tire are constantly subject to cyclic loading while rolling. Drum testing method is preferred over other rolling tire testing method since various factors from the vehicle suspension system and pavement structure are eliminated. This article aimed to develop the finite element (FE) model based on the transient dynamic approach for drum testing of NPT. The finite element model of NPT was created using Ogden hyperelastic material model. The FEM of NPT, which composed of Tread band and Spokes, was model using 3D hexagonal and 2D Quadrilateral elements respectively. The steel belt layers were modelled and embed using rebar elements and tying equation, respectively. The FE model of NPT was then assigned to contact with the rigid drum surface using Coulomb's friction model. The finite element analysis of drum testing method of NPT as the drum was assigned to be rolling at speed of 11 km/hr. The NPT spoke deformations at each position and the angle was compared to the experiment to prove the validity of the model. The analysis results of spoke deformation were shown to be in a good agreement with the experiment at the average error of 3.51%. The developed FE model of NPT based on transient dynamic approach can be used to evaluate the important dynamic response of NPT during rolling and can be useful in designing the NPT.