Contact patches of radial tires with different length-to-width ratiosunder static loads

The aspect ratio of tires significantly influences the tread contact patch, which is closely related to the vehicle's driving performance and handling. This study investigates the effect of radial tires with varying aspect ratios on contact patches under different loads and inflation pressures. The size and shape of the contact patches, along with the pressure distribution in tires with different aspect ratios, were analyzed. Five finite element tire models with aspect ratios of 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, and 75% were developed. The simulation models of 205/55R16 were validated against experimental results. The findings reveal that as the aspect ratio increases, the contact length along the tire's axial direction decreases, while the contact width along the rolling direction increases. Minimal differences in contact area were observed among tires with different aspect ratios under the same static load. For a given load, as the length-to-width ratio increases, the tread width of the contact patch decreases, while its length increases. Additionally, with an increasing length-to-width ratio, the contact patch shape transitions from a saddle to a barrel-like form. The maximum normal contact stress occurs at the shoulder of the tire for aspect ratios of 55%, 60%, and 65%, but shifts to the center of the tread for aspect ratios of 70% and 75%. The primary influence of the aspect ratio is on the contact size.