Efficient Calculation of Tread Block Vibrations

A model is presented that allows to calculate the dynamics of tyre tread blocks. The numerical efficiency is achieved by the combination of static and important modal ansatz functions, also known as Hurty/Craig/Bampton transformation. Nonlinear single point contacts provide the contact forces and consider the surface roughness. The non-smooth friction characteristic is approximated an arctan function and a parameter study of the slope parameter is conducted. Typical stickslip limit cycles of the tread block are shown. These phenomena can have a part in the tyre/road noise. Experimental results qualitatively agree with the modelled tread block vibrations. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)