Goodyear Optimizes Tire Durability with Endurica’s Advanced Simulations

An efficient method is developed and used to demonstrate that across a range of impact conditions, some conditions can cause substantial internal damage, whereas other conditions can cause very little damage. The area of investigation is the tire belt edge; thus, although significant internal damage may have occurred, it might not be visually perceptible in the normal operation of a vehicle. In some cases, the nondetectable damage is shown to propagate to a point where the tire loses its structural integrity before reaching its normal operating life defined by treadwear. This study includes the role of mechanical, temperature, and rate effects.

Goodyear integrated Endurica’s fatigue analysis tools into their product development workflow to address challenges related to performance and durability. With Endurica CL™, Goodyear was able to simulate fatigue life, predicting how their tires would perform under real-world conditions such as fluctuating loads, different terrains, and environmental changes. This early prediction allowed their engineers to pinpoint potential failure points before physical testing, significantly reducing costly prototypes and material waste.

Additionally, Endurica DT™ played a pivotal role in modeling crack growth and wear patterns, preventing early fatigue failures. The ability to predict and control wear behavior allowed Goodyear to deliver safer and longer-lasting products to market. This predictive capability not only shortened the product development cycle but also improved quality assurance, helping Goodyear maintain their reputation for high-performance tires while meeting stringent industry standards.

The company also utilized Endurica EIE™ to analyze multi-channel load effects, helping them refine their tire compounds for enhanced durability and consistent performance under variable stress conditions. With these insights, Goodyear optimized designs at each iteration, ensuring that their tires could withstand the demands of a competitive and dynamic market.

The Results:

• Reduced Physical Testing: Goodyear minimized the need for time-consuming physical tests by leveraging Endurica’s simulation tools.
• Faster Product Development: Accelerated design iterations allowed Goodyear to bring new tire models to market more efficiently.
• Improved Tire Durability: Simulations optimized material performance, resulting in longer-lasting tires.
• Cost Savings: Lowered development costs through predictive fatigue analysis, reducing reliance on expensive trial-and-error testing.