Nonlinear finite element modeling of delamination crack growth process between belts of a radial tire

A radial tire is a very complex structure made from rubber elastomers and fiber-rubber composite materials. During its use, a delamination crack growth between belts can occur, which obviously affects its durability and life. In the present paper, a new numerical model of the delamination crack growth in complex structures is presented. The model can reveal the crack growth dependence on the relative size of energy release rates at the left and right crack tips and the interfacial material property. The crack growth model, the Irwin's virtual crack close technique and finite element analysis method are together used in simulating numerically the growth process of the delamination crack between belts of a radial tire. The numerical results show that the crack growth model proposed in the present paper can more really characterize the complexity of the delamination crack growth process in complex composite structures.