Application of the finite element method in screening of body turn up heights for radial truck tires

A method is described to predict relative body turn up endurance of radial truck tires using the finite element method. The elastomers in the tire were simulated by incompressible elements for which the nonlinear mechanical properties were described by the Mooney-Rivlin model. The belt, carcass, and bead were modeled by an equivalent orthotropic material model. The contact constraint of a radial tire structure with a flat foundation and rigid rim was treated using the variable constraint method. Three groups of tires with different body turn up heights under inflation and static footprint loading were analyzed by using the finite element method. Based on the detail analysis for stress analysis parameters in the critical regions in the tires, the relative body turn up edge endurance was predicted.