Predictions of Tire-Terrain Interaction Using Finite Element Analysis Models

Simplified Finite Element Analysis (FEA) truck tire models are developed and used to examine the interaction between the tire and various types of terrain. Soft terrain such as hard soil and dry sand is modeled using solid, elastic-plastic elements. The general trends of vertical and longitudinal forces and normal and shear stress distributions in the soft soil are compared with published data for preliminary validation. The cornering characteristics on both rigid and soft soil terrains are also predicted and compared. Additionally, a detailed FEA truck tire is introduced as the next phase of this work.