Fahrenthold, Eric P.Becker, Eric B.561036302008-08-282017-05-112008-08-282017-05-112003http://hdl.handle.net/2152/627textA failure analysis, based on fracture mechanics, may be useful for predicting the lifetime of a cord-reinforced rubber composite pneumatic tire. This study presents a new 3D FE local model to calculate the energy release rate at the vulnerable region, belt edge. The new local model uses a three-dimensional FEM fracture analysis, based on a steady-state rolling assumption, in conjunction with a globallocal technique in ABAQUS. Within the local model, J-integral variation study is performed in the crack region. Furthermore, it is used to determine the crack growth rate analysis. This study assumes that a flaw exists inside the tire, in the local model, due to a mechanical inhomogeneity introduced in the manufacturing of the tire. This paper also considers how different driving conditions, such as free-rolling, braking, traction, and lateral load contribute to the detrimental effects of belt separation in tire failure.electronicengCopyright is held by the author. Presentation of this material on the Libraries' web site by University Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin was made possible under a limited license grant from the author who has retained all copyrights in the works.Tires--FatigueRubberComposite materials--Mechanical propertiesThesis3120303