Numerical modelling of tyre–pavement interaction phenomena: coupled structural investigations

Abstract

This article describes a numerical model for coupled tyre–pavement interaction at static as well as rolling contact condition based on a finite element (FE) formulation. Beneficial of this modelling is that both contacting structures, the tyre as well as the pavement, are modelled under consideration of all relevant structural parts and, therefore, in a realistic manner. The coupled computation is realised by a programme interface that connects tyre and contact simulation in a commercial FE code to pavement simulation in an inhouse FE code. While the coupling for static contact is based on a standard Lagrangian formulation, the coupling of the elastic tyre at steady-state rolling and the inelastic pavement is realised by the introduction of an arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) formulation. A novelty is the implementation of interface elements into the ALE pavement model to describe the layer bonding behaviour. The potential of the coupled modelling for pavement investigations is demonstrated by two examples.

Keywords:

• tyre–pavement interaction model
• arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian formulation
• finite element method
• asphalt pavement

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The financial support by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) with respect to our research on tyre–pavement interaction phenomena [grant number KA 1163/6], [grant number KA 1163/30] (FOR 2089) as well as by the Excellence Initiative of the German Federal and State Governments (Institutional Strategy, measure ‘support the best’) are gratefully acknowledged.