Fatigue life prediction for cord-rubber composite tires using a global-local finite element method

A failure analysis, based on fracture mechanics, may be useful for predicting the lifetime of a cord-reinforced rubber composite pneumatic tire. This study presents a new 3D FE local model to calculate the energy release rate at the vulnerable region, belt edge. The new local model uses a three-dimensional FEM fracture analysis, based on a steady-state rolling assumption, in conjunction with a globallocal technique in ABAQUS. Within the local model, J-integral variation study is performed in the crack region. Furthermore, it is used to determine the crack growth rate analysis. This study assumes that a flaw exists inside the tire, in the local model, due to a mechanical inhomogeneity introduced in the manufacturing of the tire. This paper also considers how different driving conditions, such as free-rolling, braking, traction, and lateral load contribute to the detrimental effects of belt separation in tire failure.