RANS 3D CFD simulations to enhance the thermal prediction of tyre thermodynamic model: A hierarchical approach
Luigi Teodosio, Francesco Timpone, Guido Napolitano Dell’Annunziata, Andrea Genovese
Abstract
In this work, a combined numerical/experimental analysis is performed for an automotive tyre. A preliminary experimental activity is realized on examined tyre to measure the temperatures of its layers under various operating conditions. In a second stage, a 3D CFD model of tyre is developed in a commercial code and steady RANS simulations are performed in the full range of angular velocity with the aim to refine the prediction of convective thermal power and heat transfer coefficient. CFD simulation results are passed to a user-defined 3D thermodynamic model to furnish a detailed and reliable tyre thermal output with the advantage of a low computational time. Tyre thermodynamic model, enhanced by CFD-related thermal characteristics, demonstrates the capability to properly forecast the measured temperature of tyre layers in a wide range of investigated operating conditions. The proposed numerical approach represents a valuable tool supporting the optimization of tyre behavior and the development of advanced control rules for optimal tyre management.