Modeling and analysis of bias-ply motorcycle tires

Abstract

Physical properties of motorcycle tire structure are considered to help select a good and true-to-life mechanistic model suitable for finite element analysis of tires. Rubber and bias-ply layered-cord together make the inflated unhomogeneous tire structure anisotropic and geometrically highly nonlinear.A mathematical model made of 3-D solid and truss elements is discussed, and presented as realistic and adequate to accommodate the anisotropy and nonlinearity inherent in the tire problem.Various loading cases, including a cambered tire with inflation pressure and vertical load on contact patch, are studied and evaluated for force and moment acting on the tire. The results are very encouraging and satisfactory.