Tire Failure Analysis

The final goal of a tire failure analysis is the determination of the mode and cause of failure.

Failure Analysis of tires requires the use of unique mechanical and analytical techniques. The first step is to perform a thorough inspection on the failed tire, initially with the aid of an optical stereomicroscope and subsequently with a scanning electron microscope.

Mechanical testing provides the tensile, dynamic, impact, thermal and stiffness properties of the material(s). While procedures vary, the primary mechanical tests provide a comparison between measured data to a specification or to data generated by a known benchmark. Computer-aided stress analysis provides the stress distribution of the tire in service with the results detailing the geometrical mechanics of the failure. ARDL uses a seven-level analysis engineering effort to establish the root cause analysis and preventive action recommendations.

ARDL offers the technical input of its multidisciplinary staff with links to universities and research centers world-wide. We can quickly identify and bring into play any technology or expertise required to make a tire “problem solving” and development project successful.

A method for “virtual” development of pneumatic tires for rolling conditions (an FEA tire model with experimental verification technique for steady state rolling condition) is shown below:


For more information about Tire Testing Services, please us at (866) 778-ARDL or (330) 794-6600.

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