Efficient approach for the three-dimensional finite element analysis of tires

A systematic finite element procedure is developed for solving loaded tire problems. The principal elements of this procedure are an efficient pre-processor for input generation, a multipoint constraint option to allow the user to exploit any existing symmetry in the problem, and a procedure for generating initial conditions from axisymmetric analyses. This procedure can be used to conduct parametric studies on loaded tires by using a rather coarse mesh and large load steps, thus leading to a significant reduction in CPU time, with a minimum sacrifice in solution accuracy. The efficiency of this procedure is illustrated with the analysis of a radial automobile tire.