Dynamic Properties of Motorcycle and Scooter Tires: Measurement and Comparison

Summary Results of an experimental research program dealing with motorcycle and scooter tires are presented. Experimental tests were carried out by means of a rotating disk test machine, which is particularly suited to test tires in the presence of large camber angles. First, the capabilities of the rotating disk machine are discussed and results are compared with the ones obtained by means of other test machines. Then the properties of several motorcycle and scooter tires are presented and compared. The advantage of presenting results in terms of camber and sideslip stiffness is highlighted. The effect of tire working conditions (inflation pressure, load and temperature) is analyzed. Finally the measurement of tire torques is discussed and some results dealing with self-aligning, twisting and rolling resistance torques are presented.     

Identification of the characteristics of motorcycle and scooter tyres in the presence of large variations in inflation pressure

Stability and safety of road vehicles are largely affected by tyre properties. Single-track vehicles are characterised by weakly damped modes of vibration (weave and wobble) and therefore this phenomenon is even more important. This article focuses on the study of both steady-state and transient properties of motorcycle and scooter tyres in the presence of very low and very high inflation pressures. The steady-state properties are defined as lateral forces (side-slip and camber forces) and yaw torques (self-aligning and twisting). The transient properties are described in terms of relaxation length, which represents the distance needed to reach a certain percentage of the steady-state value of the tyre force. Experimental tests are carried out on a specific rotating disk machine. Three sets of tyres are analysed. Steady-state properties are measured by increasing step by step the values of camber and side-slip angles. Transient properties are studied carrying out tests with harmonic side-slip excitation and measuring the phase lag between the excitation (input) and the tyre force (output). Experimental results show important variations in tyre properties with inflation pressure with general trends of all the tested tyres and particular features related to the tyre's geometry. After the analysis and discussion of experimental results, the measured data are fitted by means of a specific version of the Magic Formula. The dependence of the Magic Formula's coefficients on inflation pressure is analysed and interpolation curves are given.     

A Versatile Flat Track Tire Testing Machine

Summary A flat track tire testing machine developed by the IMMa group is described. It permits the simulation and study of the dynamic behavior of a great variety of tires under controllable and repetitive highly dynamic realistic working conditions in the laboratory for a diversity of vehicles, from motorcycles to light trucks. The machine incorporates: – a hydraulically operated tire support and loading system with wide operating ranges; – a computer controlled brake system to simulate braking maneuvers with ABS systems; – a complete sensorial system; – a data acquisition and control system continually monitoring and acting on the experimental variables, i.e., tire and belt speed, longitudinal slip, slip and camber angles, tire pressure, tire normal force, etc. As an application example, results are presented that adjust the parameter of the magic formula for a standard 175/70 R14 passenger vehicle tire. Accurate mathematical tire models are recognized as essential for the prediction of vehicle dynamic performances using simulation tools.     

A Versatile Flat Track Tire Testing Machine

Summary A flat track tire testing machine developed by the IMMa group is described. It permits the simulation and study of the dynamic behavior of a great variety of tires under controllable and repetitive highly dynamic realistic working conditions in the laboratory for a diversity of vehicles, from motorcycles to light trucks. The machine incorporates: - a hydraulically operated tire support and loading system with wide operating ranges; - a computer controlled brake system to simulate braking maneuvers with ABS systems; - a complete sensorial system; - a data acquisition and control system continually monitoring and acting on the experimental variables, i.e., tire and belt speed, longitudinal slip, slip and camber angles, tire pressure, tire normal force, etc. As an application example, results are presented that adjust the parameter of the magic formula for a standard 175/70 R14 passenger vehicle tire. Accurate mathematical tire models are recognized as essential for the prediction of vehicle dynamic performances using simulation tools.     

An optical tire contact pressure test bench

An optical tire contact pressure test bench developed by the IMMa group is described. The measurement system is based on the frustration of total internal reflection (FTIR) of light. The test bench allows performing normal pressure distribution and patch contact shape measurements on passenger car tires. The system is based on the use of a laterally illuminated glass on which the tire leans. Between them a plastic interphase is located that will cause the FTIR of light. A video camera catches the formed shining image through the glass. The brightness level in each pixel of the image can be related to the existing normal pressure. The study of the contact patch provided by the bench makes it possible to characterize tire behaviour under different loading states, inflation pressure, tire defects and toe and camber angles. The bench incorporates a computerized load and control system of the tire operation parameters, an image acquisition module and a data acquisition system that allow monitoring and acting on the experimental variables of interest in the tests such as load on the tire and environmental conditions. A supporting mechanical system incorporated to the bench allows providing the tire with variable toe and camber angles. From the images obtained with this system, the maximum normal pressure points, total force, size and shape of the patch can be determined, which are related to the tire-use conditions. As an application example, results that show the patch size and shape under different load and tire inflation pressures are presented. A further application, which is the use of the system for the detection and study of defective tires is also presented.     

An optical tire contact pressure test bench

An optical tire contact pressure test bench developed by the IMMa group is described. The measurement system is based on the frustration of total internal reflection (FTIR) of light. The test bench allows performing normal pressure distribution and patch contact shape measurements on passenger car tires. The system is based on the use of a laterally illuminated glass on which the tire leans. Between them a plastic interphase is located that will cause the FTIR of light. A video camera catches the formed shining image through the glass. The brightness level in each pixel of the image can be related to the existing normal pressure. The study of the contact patch provided by the bench makes it possible to characterize tire behaviour under different loading states, inflation pressure, tire defects and toe and camber angles. The bench incorporates a computerized load and control system of the tire operation parameters, an image acquisition module and a data acquisition system that allow monitoring and acting on the experimental variables of interest in the tests such as load on the tire and environmental conditions. A supporting mechanical system incorporated to the bench allows providing the tire with variable toe and camber angles. From the images obtained with this system, the maximum normal pressure points, total force, size and shape of the patch can be determined, which are related to the tire-use conditions. As an application example, results that show the patch size and shape under different load and tire inflation pressures are presented. A further application, which is the use of the system for the detection and study of defective tires is also presented.     

Identification of the mechanical properties of bicycle tyres for modelling of bicycle dynamics

Advanced simulation of the stability and handling properties of bicycles requires detailed road–tyre contact models. In order to develop these models, in this study, four bicycle tyres are tested by means of a rotating disc machine with the aim of measuring the components of tyre forces and torques that influence the safety and handling of bicycles. The effect of inflation pressure and tyre load is analysed. The measured properties of bicycle tyres are compared with those of motorcycle tyres.     

A Motorcycle Multi-Body Model for Real Time Simulations Based on the Natural Coordinates Approach

This paper presents an eleven degrees of freedom, non-linear, multi-body dynamics model of a motorcycle. Front and rear chassis, steering system, suspensions and tires are the main features of the model. An original tire model was developed, which takes into account the geometric shape of tires and the elastic deformation of tire carcasses. This model also describes the dynamic behavior of tires in a way similar to relaxation models. Equations of motion stem from the natural coordinates approach. First, each rigid body is described with a set of fully cartesian coordinates. Then, links between the bodies are obtained by means of algebraic equations. This makes it possible to obtain simple equations of motion, even though the coordinates are redundant. The model was implemented in a Fortran code, named FastBike . In order to test the code, both simulated and real slalom and lane change maneuvers were carried out. A very good agreement between the numerical simulations and experimental test was found. The comparison of FastBike 's performance with those of some commercial software shows that first is much faster than others. In particular, real time simulations can be carried out using FastBike and it can be employed on a motorcycle simulator.     

Two-Dimensional Contact Area of a Pneumatic Tire Subjected to a Lateral Force

A mathematical model of a two-dimensional contact patch of pneumatic tires rolling over a rigid flat road surface at arbitrary slip and camber angles has been developed. The model is simple in concept, contains few parameters and is applicable to any tire simulation models. In addition to tire geometric parameters and vertical deflection, the carcass camber angle is introduced in the model. This angle is alone responsible for the asymmetric shape of the tire contact patch when the tire undergoes a lateral force. The computed contact patches agree well with the measured patches of an automotive tire at different slip and camber angles. Lastly, the influence of the contact patch geometry on the tire cornering and aligning properties has been discussed through a computational example. It has been shown that the effect of tire contact patch geometry on the steady state behavior is rather remarkable.     

Effect of Frame Compliance on the Lateral Dynamics of Motorcycles

The lateral dynamics of an uncontrolled motorcycle, running on a straight, level road surface, is investigated in this paper. The structural compliances in the front and the rear frames of the motorcycle are taken into account by introducing additional degrees of freedom in the analysis. The kinematics of the tires is represented by linear differential equations which are based on the taut-string model of pneumatic tires. The linear differential equations of motion are solved to yield the eigensolutions of the system. Numerical results, obtained for parameters corresponding to a Honda CB750 motorcycle, are presented and discussed.     

Effect of Frame Compliance on the Lateral Dynamics of Motorcycles

SUMMARY

The lateral dynamics of an uncontrolled motorcycle, running on a straight, level road surface, is investigated in this paper. The structural compliances in the front and the rear frames of the motorcycle are taken into account by introducing additional degrees of freedom in the analysis. The kinematics of the tires is represented by linear differential equations which are based on the taut-string model of pneumatic tires. The linear differential equations of motion are solved to yield the eigensolutions of the system. Numerical results, obtained for parameters corresponding to a Honda CB750 motorcycle, are presented and discussed.     

The Mechanism of Camber Thrust Generation in a Bias-ply Motorcycle Tire

A finite element model suitable for camber thrust analysis is formed. By inclining and pressing this finite element model onto the road plane, the forces prevailing in the contact patch of an inclined standing tire are calculated and the asymmetry-dependent mechanism of camber thrust generation is analyzed. By rotating the inclined standing tire at a constant vertical deflection, the roll-distance-dependent mechanism of camber thrust generation is analyzed.     

Simplified Analysis of Steady-State Turning Behaviour of Motor Vehicles Part 2: Stability of the Steady-State Turn∗

SUMMARY

A finite element model suitable for camber thrust analysis is formed. By inclining and pressing this finite element model onto the road plane, the forces prevailing in the contact patch of an inclined standing tire are calculated and the asymmetry-dependent mechanism of camber thrust generation is analyzed. By rotating the inclined standing tire at a constant vertical deflection, the roll-distance-dependent mechanism of camber thrust generation is analyzed.     

Tire cornering properties at large camber angles: mechanism of the moment around the vertical axis

In this paper a one-dimensional discrete brush model is described. The new model contains a twisting concept along a trajectory of tread base and explains the mechanism of moment around the vertical axis at large camber angles. Calculations are focused on tires for motorcycles, since motorcycles often use tires under the condition of large camber angles. The calculated results are compared with the experimental results and it is shown that the proposed model can be applied to the calculation of the moment around the vertical axis at large camber angles.     

In-plane Dynamics of Tires on the Road Based on an Experimentally Verified Rolling Ring Model

The dynamic behavior of tires rolling on the road is predicted based on a ring model that is experimentally verified to well represent a real tire. The road contact is kinematically represented by two displacement constraints, one in radial and one in tangential direction. The displacement constraints are enforced via the receptance theory. The receptance matrix developed for the rolling tire is found to be Hermitian. Numerical results show that the natural (or eigen-) frequencies of the rolling tire with road contact are, as expected, higher than those of the tire with no contact. The influence of the rotating speed to the eigen-frquencies of the tire is also shown. Analytic expressions for the mode shapes of a rolling tire with ground contact are derived.     

In-plane Dynamics of Tires on the Road Based on an Experimentally Verified Rolling Ring Model

SUMMARY

The dynamic behavior of tires rolling on the road is predicted based on a ring model that is experimentally verified to well represent a real tire. The road contact is kinematically represented by two displacement constraints, one in radial and one in tangential direction. The displacement constraints are enforced via the receptance theory. The receptance matrix developed for the rolling tire is found to be Hermitian. Numerical results show that the natural (or eigen-) frequencies of the rolling tire with road contact are, as expected, higher than those of the tire with no contact. The influence of the rotating speed to the eigen-frquencies of the tire is also shown. Analytic expressions for the mode shapes of a rolling tire with ground contact are derived.     

基于车路系统的事故现场轮胎印迹强度参数化研究

为明确事故现场可视轮胎印迹强度与车辆动力学特性、轮胎橡胶磨损特征及道路表面灰度之间的关联特性,提出基于车路耦合的事故现场轮胎印迹强度参数化研究方法。通过结合动态滑动摩擦因数模型及轮胎非线性模型,建立车辆路面9 DOF非线性系统动力学模型,运用VBOX惯性测量技术验证模型的有效性。运用胎面磨损能量模型,从车路系统角度确定车辆、轮胎和路面特性对轮胎全局摩擦力及胎面磨损特性的影响。结合印迹强度特征模型提出轮胎印迹强度参数研究方法,选取不同制动、转向角工况及3组路面、胎面特性对轮胎路面接地力学特性、胎面橡胶磨损量、可视轮胎印迹特征进行仿真分析。结果表明：印迹强度仅与全局摩擦力大小有关,与轮胎路面滑移方向无关;滑移工况下胎面橡胶磨损量随着全局摩擦力和滑移速度的增大而增大,而印迹强度变化不明显;制动力矩和道路表面灰度对产生可视轮胎印迹起决定作用,转向角主要影响不规则可视轮胎印迹的产生;前轮轮胎最先出现可视印迹,且可视印迹长度和强度均高于后轮轮胎;采取可视印迹起点作为事故车辆速度判定具有一定的误差,应根据具体情况进行具体分析;研究成果能够为基于可视轮胎印迹的交通事故重建提供理论基础。     

The mechanisms involved during the wet braking of new and worn tires

ABSTRACT

Tires are used by the customers during several tens of thousands of kilometres, and before their replacement, the driver will encounter a continuous variation of tread depth due to the tire wearing. Although the wet braking labelling demonstrates the performance of the tire in the new stage, it is known that the wet traction evolves with tire wear. In this paper, an in-depth comparison of the wet grip performance of new and worn tires will be conducted, based on the regulatory wet braking test. For this purpose, we propose an original approach to analyse braking test results, which allows breaking down and quantifying the relative importance of the mechanisms involved during this test. This study demonstrates that two main mechanisms are taking place during the entire test: rubber friction and hydroplaning mechanisms. The µ value obtained at low speeds reflects the friction potential of the tested tires while the decline of performance at higher speeds is attributed to hydroplaning mechanisms. This analysis is conducted on numerous tires and demonstrates that current regulatory test applied on new tires is focussing mainly on the rubber friction mechanism. The same test applied on worn tires exhibits both rubber friction and hydroplaning mechanisms. The mechanisms decomposition shows that the source of the performance decline from new to worn status varies greatly, some tires having most of their performance loss due to hydroplaning, some others due to rubber friction drop.     

Elaboration and quantitative assessment of manoeuvrability for motorcycle lane change

The desire to quantitatively assess vehicle manoeuvrability and handling has led to the development of various expressions, or metrics, which typically relate system input to system output. With regard to motorcycle manoeuvrability, a notable example of such a measure, or metric, is the Koch index [Koch, J., 1978, Experimentelle und Analytische Untersuchungen des Motorraad-Fahrer Systems. Dissertation, Berlin.]. This article describes the development of a new metric applied to lane change (LC) tests and coined ‘LC roll index’. This metric takes into account the peak-to-peak values of the rider-input steering torque divided by the peak-to-peak roll rate response of the vehicle and normalizes this quantity by the forward velocity. In addition to this new metric, an analytical expression is developed, which in many cases summarizes a motorcycle’s LC performance in a single, terse, analytical term. Experimental results are presented for three vastly different motorcycles: a scooter, a street, and a touring motorcycle performing variations of the LC manoeuvre. Numerous test runs for each vehicle are analysed and the results are summarized along with those presented in the recent literature. Finally, simulation results are presented to highlight the correlation between the proposed indices and handling.     

基于径向刚度法的车辆翻新轮胎使用寿命判定

为了有效判定车辆翻新轮胎的剩余使用寿命，需要科学确定废旧轮胎胎体橡胶老化程度对翻新轮胎使用寿命的影响。在分析废旧轮胎胎体橡胶老化规律的基础上，通过橡胶老化试验测试及回归分析，确定了胎体弹性模量随着橡胶老化年限增加近似线性增大的影响规律；结合计算机仿真技术及试验测试技术，基于轮胎径向刚度法提出了翻新轮胎剩余使用寿命不安全系数计算方法，其计算数值大小与翻新轮胎径向刚度和新轮胎径向刚度之差成正比，与新轮胎径向刚度值成反比；构建了由橡胶加速老化系统、弹性模量测取系统、承载-变形计算机模拟系统和承载-变形测试系统等组成的翻新轮胎剩余使用寿命判定系统；基于径向刚度法和判定系统提出了车辆翻新轮胎剩余使用寿命判定规则，确定了翻新轮胎胎体剩余使用寿命判定具体流程；根据剩余使用寿命不安全系数计算方法和判定规则，将翻新轮胎确定为可正常使用、需降速使用和需报废处理3个级别，并利用11.00R22.5载重车辆翻新轮胎进行了剩余使用寿命判定与评价，依据判定规则分别计算了不同使用年限3条翻新轮胎的剩余使用寿命不安全系数，确定出3条翻新轮胎所对应的级别，判定与评价结论与实际使用情况相吻合。研究结果表明：废旧轮胎胎体橡胶老化程度对翻新轮胎剩余使用寿命影响显著，翻新轮胎径向刚度与剩余使用寿命之间存在较大影响关系；废旧轮胎胎体橡胶老化程度越严重和径向刚度越大，翻新轮胎的剩余使用寿命将会越短。