The University of Akron Tire Mechanics Short Course

 

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 course will provide engineers and scientists with an in-depth, intense study of the latest developments surrounding tire engineering. The course is designed for practising engineers, chemists and scientists who are concerned with tires and vehicles, and who have an engineering or science background at the Bachelor of Science level. The basic 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 CDs prepared by the instructors will be provided for all participants. Those who complete this course will receive a certificate from The University of Akron.

Short Course Rate

Pass type	Full rate
Akron Tire Mechanics Short Course four day pass	€1175

 

Program Schedule:

MONDAY 13 FEBRUARY 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: ROLLING RESISTANCE, TIRE / PAVEMENT INTERACTION NOISE, AND TIRE CREATED RIDE PROBLEMS
Dr. Marion G. Pottinger M'gineering LLC., U.S.A.

The pneumatic tire was invented for ride purposes, actually reduced ride harshness, but almost at once it was discovered that the pneumatic tire had greatly reduced rolling resistance compared to prior technology. This remarkable, and often not appreciated, fact is discussed in terms of design, characterization, and the current interest in reducing CO₂ emissions. As usage velocities have risen, several problems have become evident. Environmental noise generated by tire / pavement interaction is a noticeable problem. Also, tires operating at highway speeds on a smooth road can give rise to new, tire created, ride problems grouped under the term tire uniformity. Tire associated environmental noise and uniformity are discussed in terms of design and their effect on customers, tire manufacturers, and auto manufacturers.

1. Historical Introduction
2. Rolling Resistance, Fuel Economy, Testing, and Characterization
3. Tire / Pavement Interaction Noise
4. Uniformity, Smooth Road Vibration, and In-Vehicle Noise

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 tire's 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 14 FEBRUARY 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 15 FEBRUARY 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 16 FEBRUARY 2012

8:00 – 12:00 : TIRE MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING
Dr. Joseph Walter, 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.