Heat transfer simulation for tire curing application

Abstract

This thesis has presented a method of using heat transfer theory and finite difference approximation to build a mathematical model to calculate the temperature changes that occur during the tire curing process (vulcanization). Computer-aided simulation was used to estimate the rise in temperature of under tread position for light truck radial tire size of 195 R 14 C. Using Fourier’ s number (Fo, dimensionless) equal 0.4175 for this size, the result of the simulation corresponded closely to the theoretical norm. The simulation was based on the dynamic nature of the boundaries within the mould and cooling after moulding finshed. This work made it possible to calculate the value of empirical thermal diffusivity (D-Emp.) for 195 R 14 C, by using the curve fitting of temperature-time profiles for tire curing process. This value (D-Emp.) was 9.04 x 10-7 m2/sec.