Abstract: | In this paper the vertical load-deflection behaviour of a pneumatic tire has been studied theoretically. A simple mathematical model which is especially suitable for a tire applied by a side force has been developed. Researches carried out in the past show that the tire vertical stiffness varies neither proportionally nor symmetrically as the slip angle of a cambered tire is changed. This effect can be explained by the theory developed here.
The model predictions have been verified using experimental results obtained from literature. Moreover, tire cornering characteristic curves obtained under different test conditions, i. e. during increasing of the slip angle the vertical load is kept constant or not, have been discussed through a simulation example. This study shows that the characteristic curves vary rather considerably under the different conditions. |