Tire-Pavement Contact Pressure Distribution Analysis Based on ABAQUS Simulation

Vehicle dynamic load is a major factor in the occurrence of early pavement failure. The analysis of tire–road contact pressure under various driving conditions of the vehicle is the basis for studying vehicle driving stability and road surface performance durability. In previous studies, there was more analysis of tire–road contact stress under static load. However, the results obtained in this way were quite different from the actual situation, because the various functional properties of the tire and the transmission of the interaction force between it and the road surface were better demonstrated during the movement of the vehicle. In this paper, the 205-55-R16 radial tire is used as the research object, and the finite element modeling software ABAQUS is used to establish a realistic three-dimensional tire–road contact model. This study discussed the effects of vehicle load and tire pressure on tire ground pressure distribution during static loading of the vehicle and simulated the tire ground pressure changes with speed or time under steady rolling, driving, and braking conditions. The results showed that the contact pressure under braking conditions is significantly greater than that under static conditions. Therefore, at intersections with frequent braking, the standard axle load for road mechanics calculations should be increased. The research helps to analyze the early damage to the road caused by vehicle driving, and provides references for road designers in road design.