### Transforming Tire Innovation: Goodyear’s Advanced Simulators
Tires may not rank among the most glamorous features of a vehicle, yet they are undeniably vital. While automotive aficionados often emphasize horsepower or the latest technological advancements, the unassuming tire serves as the crucial link between a vehicle and the road, facilitating movement, safety, and overall performance. Acknowledging the significance of creativity in tire manufacturing, Goodyear has adopted cutting-edge simulation technologies, leading to the implementation of dynamic driving simulators that are transforming tire innovation.
#### The Progression of Tire Simulation
The process of tire development has consistently been intricate and demanding on resources. Traditionally, manufacturers depended on physical prototypes, exhaustive testing, and iterative trial-and-error methods to perfect tire designs. However, the introduction of computer simulation has revolutionized the field.
Goodyear’s venture into tire simulation started in the 1990s with the integration of finite element analysis (FEA). This computational method disassembles a large structure—such as a tire—into smaller, analyzable components to evaluate its behavior under a variety of situations. Chris Helsel, Goodyear’s Chief Technology Officer, reflects on the difficulties experienced during those initial stages: “A tire bends 40 percent each time it spins, leading to significant displacement and numerical instability in simulations.”
Despite these initial hurdles, Goodyear’s dedication to simulation yielded impressive results. Over time, the organization has honed its models to incorporate the complex interactions between tires and roads, considering factors such as friction, tread designs, and even severe conditions like snow. Currently, Goodyear’s simulations are so sophisticated that they can accurately forecast tire performance in various climates and terrains, greatly diminishing the necessity for physical prototypes.
#### Dynamic Driving Simulators: A Revolutionary Advancement
The most recent advancement in tire innovation is the introduction of dynamic driving simulators. These cutting-edge systems enable engineers to evaluate virtual tire models in real-time driving situations, offering instantaneous feedback on performance without the requirement for physical testing. Goodyear currently operates two such facilities: one in Akron, Ohio, which was inaugurated in 2021, and another in Luxembourg, launched in 2024.
Steve Rohweder, Goodyear’s Vice President of Technology Development, highlights the importance of these simulators: “When you utilize a high-fidelity tire model within a driving simulator, the objective is to create an experience that is indistinguishable from actual driving. Achieving this requires the simulation to process in real time, which poses a computational challenge given the millions of variables involved.”
The simulators empower engineers to assess tire designs in a variety of scenarios, from high-speed maneuvers to off-road conditions, all within a controlled virtual setting. This method not only speeds up the development process but also improves the accuracy of the final product.
#### Reducing Development Time and Costs
The effects of these innovations are significant. In the late 1990s, creating a new tire often necessitated up to 10 physical prototypes, each requiring the production of molds, manufacturing, and extensive testing. With the incorporation of high-fidelity simulations and dynamic simulators, Goodyear has decreased this to just one physical prototype for final validation.
This reduction leads to substantial savings in both time and resources. According to Helsel, the new approach removes the need for about 13,000 tires and 60,000 miles of test track driving during each development cycle. This not only supports Goodyear but also aligns with sustainability objectives by minimizing waste and energy usage.
#### Strengthening Collaboration with Automakers
The utilization of dynamic simulators also enhances Goodyear’s collaborations with automakers. By modeling tire performance early in the vehicle design phase, engineers can swiftly make adjustments to designs to achieve specific performance goals. For instance, tire dimensions, materials, and tread patterns can be modified in the virtual space to enhance handling, comfort, and efficiency.
“Tire dimension is simple to modify,” asserts Rohweder. “With the data ready, you can quickly navigate the design space in the simulator to discern what the driver perceives as most effective. This guarantees that the first physical iteration is highly refined and consistent with the vehicle’s requirements.”
#### The Future of Tire Innovation
Goodyear’s commitment to simulation technology signifies a revolutionary change in tire development. By taking advantage of dynamic driving simulators, the company has not only optimized its procedures but has also improved its capacity to produce high-performance, customized tires suitable for a diverse array of vehicles.
As simulation technology continues to advance, the potential is boundless. From enhancing tire safety and longevity to decreasing environmental impact, the combination of virtual testing and real-world applications is setting the stage for a more efficient and sustainable future in tire production.
In a sector where every millimeter of tread and each ounce of material can influence outcomes, Goodyear’s dynamic simulators demonstrate that innovation transcends merely reinventing the wheel—it’s about fine-tuning it.
