39th TIRE MECHANICS SHORT COURSE
Cologne, Germany, 4-7 February 2013

 

The 39th Tire Mechanics Short Course will be held concurrently with Tire Technology Expo 2013 in Cologne, Germany on 4/5/6/7 February 2013.

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.

Short Course Rate

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

Program Schedule:

MONDAY 4 February 2013

9:00 – 9:30: WELCOME and INTRODUCTION
Dr. Benjamin T.F. Chung, Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Akron, U.S.A.

09:30-15:30 (Lunch 12:30-13:30): THE TIRE AS A VEHICLE COMPONENT
Dr Gerald Potts, Test Measurement Systems Inc, USA

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, which must be tough and strong, yet flexible.

1. Basic functions
2. Lateral force tire models
3. Cornering transients
4. Vehicle ride characteristics

15:30-17:30: FOOTPRINT MECHANICS TO EXPLAIN TIRE FORCE AND MOMENT AND UNEVEN WEAR
Dr Marion G. Pottinger, M’gineering LLC, USA

Tire force and moment development, wear and traction are largely determined by what occurs in the tire/road contact patch – the tire footprint. This section goes back to how this area of study started in tire force and moment measurement and has evolved into footprint mechanics. The discussion examines the science, aspects of engineering design problems and limitations of current approaches. A fundamental reference list is supplied along with text incorporated in the Notes Pages view of the slides.

1. Introduction
2. Describing tire force and moment
3. Deformation responses to individual usage variables
4. Describing the tire footprint
5. Footprint study equipment and methodologies
6. Footprint physics

TUESDAY 5 February 2013

09:00-12:00 : FOOTPRINT MECHANICS TO EXPLAIN TIRE FORCE AND MOMENT AND UNEVEN WEAR (Continued)
Dr Marion G. Pottinger, M’gineering LLC, USA

12:00-13:00 LUNCH

13.00 - 18:00 TIRE STRESS AND DEFORMATION ANALYSIS
Dr Michael Trinko, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co, USA (retired)

The properties of the anisotropic cord rubber composite have primary control of the overall performance characteristics of pneumatic tires. In order to optimise 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 properties calculation
2. Analytical techniques (classical methods)
1. Equilibrium tire design
2. Cord loads, belt loads, sidewall loads
3. Air diffusion calculation
4. Beads load, bead contact forces
3. Footprint contact behaviour
4. Cord loads for traction, cornering

WEDNESDAY 6 February 2013

09:00-15:30 (12:00-13:00 Lunch): ADVANCED TIRE MODELLING
Dr Joseph Padovan, Department of Mechanical Engineering The University of Akron, USA

This presentation will include past, present and possible future analytical-numerical models of the tire, a development of the tire behaviour and discussions of current numerical simulation techniques.

1. Introduction to FEA modelling
2. Multi length scale modelling of tire
3. Time-dependent properties of elastomers (SBR, BR, NR, EPDM, etc.) and plastics (nylon, Kevlar, polyester, etc.)
4. Critical speed
5. Rolling resistance
6. FEA modelling of tire stochastic effects
7. Optimisation of cord spacing
8. Fracture mechanics fundamentals
9. Modelling of stochastic effects on durability
10. Overall fatigue analysis procedure
11. Hydroplaning and wear

15:30-17:00 : Visit to the exhibition

THURSDAY 7 February 2013

09:00-14:00 (12:00-13:00 Lunch) : TIRE MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING
Dr Joseph Walter, The University of Akron, USA

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 vulcanisation.

1. Tire constructions and materials
2. Tire polymers and rubber compounds
3. Textile and steel cord reinforcements
4. Tire manufacturing operations

14:00-15:30: RULES AND REGULATIONS GOVERNING TIRES
Dr Joseph Walter, Department of Mechanical Engineering The University of Akron, USA

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?

15:30-16:00: COURSE EVALUATIONS AND DISTRIBUTION OF CERTIFICATES
Dr Benjamin T. F. Chung, Department of Mechanical Engineering The University of Akron, USA