Computation of fatigue crack propagation in re-treaded tire

Abstract

Tire retreading business has grown at a significant level in India.  Quality of re-treaded tire is mandatory from the safety point of view. There are various reasons of tire tread failure. Therefore motivation behind this  paper is to develop a model for prediction of fatigue crack growth rate for re-treaded tire rubber. An empirical method is used to confirm that retreaded tire follow power law between tearing energy and fatigue crack.. Rubber specimens of different sizes are tested at Indian Rubber Manufacturers Research Association (IRMA- Mumbai). De-Mattia fatigue tester machine is used for testing rate of crack growth in rubber specimens at a fully relaxing condition. (R=0) Specimens are subject to different strains (flexing). Data is collected and statistical methods are used to verify the  research question of power law and confirm safety with tire life. Simultaneously a regression simulation model has been developed to explore the relationship of tearing energy with crack growth rate. Results obtained are promising for the use of  small manufactures, customers &policy makers.