Applications of Force & Moment Testing Data from a Tire Testing Laboratory
Driver feedback on tire performance is often influenced by environmental conditions, which are virtually impossible to measure in the real world. Experienced tire testing experts can use force and moment (F&M) testing data to investigate and quantify subjective driver feedback. This includes objective assessment of how the tire contributes to:
- Steering
- Handling
- Braking and stopping distance
- Accident avoidance
F&M testing data can be utilized to support tire, wheel, and vehicle development projects of many kinds:
Tire modeling and vehicle modeling
Force and moment testing characterizes performance and handling of a tire, which makes F&M data a crucial component to tire models. Additionally, because the tire is the only vehicle component that connects the vehicle to the road, tire data is a key input into a vehicle model.As manufacturers look to speed up their development process, these tire models are a key input for vehicle simulations.
Electric vehicle (EV) technology development
Electric vehicles are typically heavier than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles of a comparable size. In addition, the instant torque that comes from electric motors provides different challenges for tire performance. As a result, EV tires are subjected to unique conditions such as increased load and different weight distribution in cornering and drive / brake evaluations.Wheel manufacturing
The tire transmits ground forces to the wheel. A force and moment machine can recreate vehicle maneuvers in a laboratory setting, allowing for controlled observation and measurement of the forces and moments that the wheel will experience as it relates to the tire choice. And with efforts to reduce overall weight on the vehicle, new materials such as carbon fiber and lighter weight aluminum are being used to support this trend. Wheel manufacturers can use this F&M testing data to evaluate performance and test new materials and designs.A laboratory setting with knowledgeable experts and machine controls offers unmatched data repeatability and accuracy, which is critical for meeting and exceeding both supplier and OEM specifications and requirements. To learn more about force and moment testing at the Smithers Tire & Wheel Test Center, reach out to our tire testing team.