NON-NATURAL EQUILIBRIUM CONTOUR DESIGN FOR RADIAL TIRE AND ITS INFLUENCE ON TIRE PERFORMANCE

Two types of radial tire 11.00R20 and 385/65R22.5 are chosen as the research objects, and their carcass contours are redesigned by using Sakai Hideo's, Frank's and the new non-natural equilibrium contour design theories, which were based on analyzing the current non-equilibrium contour design theories of radial tire. Then the tire wear, rolling resistance and grip performance of the two radial tires designed by different non-natural equilibrium contour design theories are comprehensively analyzed with the finite element software ABAQUS. The results show that Frank's contour design theory can reduce tire wear; the new non-natural equilibrium contour design theory can enhance tire wear, rolling resistance performance, etc. It is also found that the tire carcass contour has great influence on tire performance, especially on the tire rolling resistance. The new non-natural equilibrium contour theory provides a guidance to reduce the tire rolling resistance, and it can break through the target conflicts in tire performance. The tire with the new non-natural equilibrium carcass contour can enhance its comprehensive performance.