37th Tire Mechanics Short Course

Cologne, Germany February 13-16, 2012

The 37th Tire Mechanics Short Course will be held concurrently with Tire Technology Expo 2012 in Cologne, Germany 13/14/15/16, February, 2012.

This four-day educational and developmental course will provide engineers and scientists with an in-depth, intense study of developments surrounding tire engineering. The course is designed for practicing engineers, chemists and scientists concerned with tires and vehicles, who have an engineering or science background at the Bachelor of Science level. The basic and practical aspects of the mechanics of pneumatic tires will be introduced by internationally renowned experts in tire mechanics. Over 1,000 pages of course notes on a CD prepared by the instructors will be provided for all course participants. Those who complete this course will receive a certificate from the University of Akron.

Program Schedule

MONDAY, February 13, 2012

9:00 – 9:30
WELCOME and INTRODUCTION

Dr. Benjamin T.F. Chung
Department of Mechanical Engineering
The University of Akron, U.S.A.

9:30 – 12:30
STRENGTH, WEAR AND FRICTION OF RUBBER

Dr. Alan Gent
Institute of Polymer Science
The University of Akron, U.S.A.

To fully understand friction and wear of tires, a basic knowledge of the mechanical properties of rubber is needed. This presentation deals with the elasticity and strength of rubber, its visco-elastic properties that cause rubber to have inherent damping, and the laboratory measurement and interpretation of tear strength, fatigue resistance and adhesion to wire cord. The unusual frictional properties of rubber are discussed, and the difficulty in meeting the competing requirements of low rolling resistance for good fuel economy, but high sliding friction for good traction and braking. Some fundamental factors governing the rate of wear of tires are also outlined.

1. Elasticity and Visco-elasticity
2. Strength of Rubber Compounds
3. Rolling and Sliding Friction
4. Abrasion of Rubber and Wear of Tires

12:30 – 13:30
LUNCH

13:30 – 18:30
THE TIRE AS A VEHICLE COMPONENT

Dr. Gerald Potts
Test Measurement Systems, Inc. U.S.A.

Today’s pneumatic tire must serve four functions: (1) support a moving load; (2) generate steering forces; (3) generate driving and braking forces; and (4) provide isolation from road irregularities. In examining the complex mechanism involved in satisfying the four requirements participants will study the tire¹s importance in determining overall vehicle performance; for no matter what level of complexity is designed into a vehicle, its only communication with the road is through its tires.

1. Basic Functions
2. Lateral Force Tire Models
3. Cornering Transients
4. Vehicle Ride Characteristics

TUESDAY, February 14, 2012

8:00 – 12:00
TIRE STRESS AND DEFORMATION ANALYSIS

Dr. Michael Trinko
Department of Mechanical Engineering
The University of Akron, U.S.A.

The properties of the anisotropic cord rubber composite have primary control of the overall performance characteristics of pneumatic tires. In order to optimize a given tire performance, knowledge of the combined cord rubber composite material properties is necessary and will be covered in this part of the course.

1. Composite Material Stiffness Calculation
2. Analytical Techniques (Classical Methods)
   1. Equilibrium Tire Design
   2. Cord Load, Bead Force and Burst Pressure Calculations
3. Experimental Techniques (Point and Whole Field Methods)
   1. Cord Tension and Rubber Strain Measurements
   2. Belt Edge Strains/Stresses
   3. Tire-to-Road and Tire-to-Rim Contact

12:00 – 13:00
LUNCH

13:00 – 14:00
TIRE STRESS AND DEFORMATION ANALYSIS (Continued)

Dr. Michael Trinko
Department of Mechanical Engineering
The University of Akron, U.S.A.

14:00 – 17:00
VISIT TO THE EXHIBITION

WEDNESDAY, February 15, 2012

8:00 – 12:00
TIRE WEAR, TRACTION AND FORCE GENERATION

Dr. Marion G. Pottinger
M’gineering LLC., U.S.A.

Tire force generation, wear and traction are all crucially determined by what takes place in the tire/road contact patch. This section provides a discussion of how tire design, kinematics, the road surface, and driver behavior come together to determine wear, traction, and cornering behavior. The discussion is conducted not only on a scientific basis, but also with an eye to product design.

1. Tire Contact Stresses and Displacement
2. The Effect of Contact Stresses and Displacements on Wear
3. Tire Force Generation and the Effect of Tread Design
4. Tire Forces, Traction, and Design
5. Other Design-related Topics Affected by Footprint Behavior

12:00 – 13:00
LUNCH

13:00 – 18:00
ADVANCED TIRE MODELING

Dr. Joseph Padovan
Department of Mechanical Engineering
The University of Akron, U.S.A.

This presentation will include past, present and possible future analytical-numerical models of the tire, a development of the tire behavior and discussions of current numerical simulation techniques.

• Introduction To FEA Modeling
• Multi Length Scale Modeling Of Tire
• Time Dependent Properties of Elastomers (SBR, BR, NR, EPDM, etc.) and Plastics (Nylon, Kevlar, Nylon, Polyester, etc.)
• Critical Speed
• Rolling Resistance
• FEA Modeling of Tire Stochastic Effects
• Optimization of Cord Spacing
• Fracture Mechanics Fundamentals
• Modeling Of Stochastic Effects on Durability
• Overall Fatigue Analysis Procedure
• Hydroplaning and Wear

THURSDAY, February 16, 2012

8:00 – 12:00
TIRE MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING

Dr. Joseph Walter
Department of Mechanical Engineering
The University of Akron, U.S.A.

The materials used in today’s pneumatic tires are designed to act in concert with construction features to provide optimum durability and balanced performance for the expected service conditions. The proper combination of compound formulations and structural reinforcements is crucial for successful tire operation. These materials and constructions must then be processed efficiently within the tire factory beginning with mixing, continuing with extrusion and calendering and ending with vulcanization.

1. Tire Constructions and Materials
2. Tire Polymers and Rubber Compounds
3. Textile and Steel Cord Reinforcements
4. Tire Manufacturing Operations

12:00 – 13:00
LUNCH

13:00 – 14:30
RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING TIRES

Dr. Joseph Walter
Department of Mechanical Engineering
The University of Akron, U.S.A.

Government regulations, industry standards, customer specifications, and marketing requirements directly impact the ultimate design (and consequently the performance level) of all tires especially original equipment and aftermarket passenger car tires. Discussed in this part of the course are:

1. The current state of regulatory affairs in the US, Europe and Japan governing tire safety and the environment;
2. The design trade-offs often inherent in meeting sometimes conflicting rules and regulations;
3. Different markets, different tires?

14:30 – 15:00
COURSE EVALUATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION OF CERTIFICATES

Dr. Benjamin T.F. Chung
Department of Mechanical Engineering
The University of Akron, U.S.A.