Effects of Tire Dynamics on Vehicle Safety: A Simulation-Driven Comparison of New and Service-Aged Tires Under Variable Inflation Pressures and Loads

The research paper presents a simulation-driven investigation into the effects of tire dynamics on vehicle safety by examining the influence of inflation pressure and load variability in both new and service-aged pneumatic tires. The proposed methodology combines finite element analysis with experimental measurements to accurately characterize tire behaviour while avoiding the complexity associated with detailed composite material modelling. Pre-experimental data are employed to calibrate and validate the numerical model, enabling realistic prediction of tire dynamic responses under various operating conditions. The developed approach facilitates the assessment of tire performance across a range of inflation pressures and vertical loads, allowing a comparative evaluation of new and service-aged tires in terms of deformation characteristics and dynamic stability. Furthermore, the numerical simulations investigate how pressure loss and load variability affect tire blowout conditions and braking performance, both of which are relevant to overall vehicle safety. The results demonstrate that tire aging, together with improper inflation pressure and increased loading, significantly influences tire dynamic behaviour and vehicle stability, leading to measurable changes in braking distance and road-holding capability. The proposed simulation-driven framework provides an efficient and reliable tool for evaluating service-aged tire performance under realistic service conditions and supports the development of safer tire designs and maintenance strategies aimed at improving road traffic safety.