Interaction between tire and vulcanizing mold during extraction

The improvement of the grip properties of tires is attended by problems in production.
One sub-step of tire production is the vulcanization of a green tire under pressure inside a mold. Adherence of the rubber to this mold leads to problems during the subsequent extraction phase. On the one hand the force needed to open the mold can increase considerably. On the other hand the tire or the mold can be damaged, leading not only to an environmental and a financial burden but also to safety risks.

Within this project the extraction of a not completely vulcanized tire from a mold will be simulated, to obtain a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to the problems and to develop solution strategies.

For this simulation the complex contact with friction and adhesion, the high temperatures and different states of vulcanization inside the material and the large deformations during the extraction of elaborate patterns are of particular challenge.

The project is carried out in collaboration with the IMKF of the TU Bergakademie Freiberg and the Continental AG.