Optimization of Construction of Tire Reinforcement by Genetic Algorithm

A new tire design procedure capable of determining the optimum tire construction was developed by combining a finite element method approach with mathematical programming and a genetic algorithm (GA). Both procedures successfully generated optimized belt structures. The design variables in the mathematical programming were belt angle and belt width. Using the merits of a GA which enabled the use of discrete variables, the design variables in the GA were not only the topology of the belt and belt angle but also the belt material. Furthermore, a discrete objective function such as the number of parts could be optimized in the GA. The optimized structure obtained by the GA was verified to increase the cornering stiffness more than 15 percent as compared with the control structure in an indoor drum test.