Abstract: A three-dimensional finite element model of radial tire 205/55R16, considering the complex tread patterned tire’s steady-state lateral rolling, is established by ABAQUS software. The cornering characteristics drum test is used to prove that the simulation model is reliable. For the effect research of radial tire contour design to cornering stiffness, a modified string balance contour theory is presented based on string balance contour theory, which simplifies the belts pressure share ratio as trapezium. The program of contour calculation is edited. Combined with the simulation model, the contact performance and cornering stiffness of radial tire are analyzed and compared with the existing contour design. According to the different belt pressure share ratios, the different tire contours are designed so as to study how the different belt pressure share ratios influence tire cornering stiffness. The results show that compared with the existing contour, modified string balance contour theory can be applied to increase the tire contact area, decrease the skewness value of contact pressure and improve the contact performance. It is helpful to enhance tire cornering stiffness. In addition, the different contours of radial tire based on different belt pressure share ratios will influence the cornering stiffness.

Key words: cornering stiffness, numerical simulation, share ratio of pressure, tire contour design