Determination of Stiffness Properties of Single‐Ply Cord‐Rubber Composites

Abstract Accurate determination of stiffness properties of cord‐rubber composites is a key to successful finite element analysis of tires. The Halpin‐Tsai and similar equations which are used to determine stiffness properties of cord‐rubber single plies from the stiffness properties of cord and rubber do not provide adequate accuracy. Determination of these properties from strains directly measured by the Moire technique is more appropriate. In this paper the disadvantages of Halpin‐Tsai and similar equations as well as the advantages of the Moire technique for cord‐rubber composites are discussed. The stiffness properties obtained using the above different methods are compared. These stiffness properties are then used in the finite element analysis of a two‐ply cord‐rubber strip. The results of the finite element analyses are compared with experimental data.