38th Tire Mechanics Short Course

International Exposition Center Cleveland Ohio USA, September 17-21, 2012

The 38th Tire Mechanics Short Course will be held concurrently with International Tire Exhibition and Conference in I-X Center on September 17-21, 2012.

This five-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, September 17, 2012

9:00am – 9:30am
WELCOME and INTRODUCTION

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

9:30am – 4:30pm (LUNCH 12:30pm – 1:30pm)
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, September 18, 2012

9:00am – 4:00pm (LUNCH noon – 1:00pm)
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

4:00pm – 5:00pm
ITEC Exhibit Visit

5:00pm
Cocktail Reception with ITEC attendees

WEDNESDAY, September 19, 2012

9:00am – 4:00pm (LUNCH noon – 1:00pm)
TIRE WEAR, TRACTION AND FORCE GENERATION, AIRBORNE TIRE/PAVEMENT INTERACTION NOISE, AND THEIR INTERRELATION

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

Tire forces and moment development, wear resistance, traction, and airborne noise are largely determined by what occurs in the tire footprint, the tire/road contact patch. This section discusses how tire design, kinematics, the road surface, and driver behavior interact to determine tire wear, the forces that allow vehicle control, and the environmental noise produced during driving. The discussion examines the science, aspects of the engineering design problem, and limitations in current approaches. A fundamental reference list is provided.

1. Tire Footprint Stresses, Displacements, and Their Determination
2. The Meaning and Utility of Footprint Data Including Tread Design
3. Footprint Shear Energy Intensity and Uneven Wear
4. Wear Testing Indoor and Outdoor
5. Tire Traction on Dry, Wet, Ice, and Snow Surfaces
6. Tire Forces and Moment as a Function of Slip Angle, Inclination Angle, and Spindle Torque
7. Parametric Effects on Tire Force and Moment
8. Magic Formula Modeling of Tire Force and Moment
9. Airborne Noise, A Final Design Item

4:00pm – 5:00pm
ITEC Exhibit Visit

THURSDAY, September 20, 2012

9:00am – 2:00pm (LUNCH noon – 1:00pm)
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 performance for a given tire application. Proper rubber compound formulation and application of cord-rubber composites are crucial to the successful operation of a tire. This part of the course provides participants with an introduction to the unique performance and physical properties of rubber compounds and textile materials used in tires.

1. Material Composition of a Tire
2. The Rubber Compound
3. Processing of Rubber Compounds
4. Reinforcements-Textile and Steel Cord

2:00pm – 4:00pm
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, including the TREAD act
2. The design trade-offs often inherent in meeting sometimes conflicting rules and regulations
3. Different market requirements

4:00pm – 5:00pm
ITEC Exhibit Visit

5:00pm
Cocktail Reception with ITEC attendees

FRIDAY, September 21, 2012

9:00am – 4:30pm (LUNCH noon – 1:00pm)
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

4:30pm – 5:00pm
COURSE EVALUATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION OF CERTIFICATES

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