AN EVALUATION OF METHODS TO INVESTIGATE TRUCK TIRE WET TRACTION

This report contains the results of experimental investigations of heavy truck tire wet traction performance. The purposes of this program were to evaluate means by which this performance can be measured and to extend the data base of information on such performance, as affected by several construction, condition, and operational variables. A survey of facilities and test techniques for use in the study is briefly discussed. The three approaches that were selected for testing in a round-robin series--the UMTRI mobile tire dynamometer, the Calspan TIRF machine, and a truck deceleration technique--are described in the framework of a comprehensive test plan for measuring wet braking and cornering traction characteristics. Test results, covering the effects of tire construction and tread design, speed, and surface skid number as measured by the three methods, are presented and compared. These results, which are given in terms of normalized longitudinal traction coefficients (NFX, for peak and slide) and lateral coefficient (NFY) are supplemented with TIRF-measured data on the influences of inflation pressure, wear pattern, water depth, and load variations on the values of the coefficients. It is concluded that the mobile dynamometer and the indoor facility generate more reliable data than does the truck deceleration method. Details of all activities on the program, including all information on each test run, are on file at Calspan.

• Corporate Authors:

  Calspan Advanced Technology Center

  4455 Genesee Street
  Buffalo, NY  United States  14225

  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Gusakov, I
  • RICE, R S
  • PUGLIESE, S M
  • GALGANSKI, R
• Publication Date: 1984-3

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: v.p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Braking; Design; Dynamometers; Inflation; Moisture content; Performance tests; Steering; Test facilities; Test procedures; Testing equipment; Tire pressure; Tire treads; Tires; Traction; Trucks; Wear
• Uncontrolled Terms: Wet conditions
• Old TRIS Terms: Cornering (Vehicle)
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Motor Carriers; Vehicles and Equipment; I95: Vehicle Inspection;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00396282
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: 6718-T-1 Final Rpt., HS-806 577
• Contract Numbers: DTNH22-80-C-07093
• Files: HSL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 31 1985 12:00AM