Abstract
An analysis by the finite element method and a related computer program is presented for an axisymmetric solid under asymmetric loads. Calculations are carried out on displacements and internal stresses and strains of a radial tire loaded on a road wheel of 600-mm diameter, a road wheel of 1707-mm diameter, and a flat plate. Agreement between calculated and experimental displacements and cord forces is quite satisfactory. The principal shear strain concentrates at the belt edge, and the strain energy increases with decreasing drum diameter. Tire temperature measurements show that the strain energy in the tire is closely related to the internal temperature rise.