Rolling towards revolution
K.U. Leuven is undertaking a project to analyse the dynamic behavior of rolling tires in order to improve tire modeling accuracy and optimise vehicle performance
The increasing complexity and shorter development times of vehicles calls for a more accurate and efficient simulation tools. Already in the early phases of the vehicle's development cycle, a reliable simulation of dynamic behaviour of its tires are required. This is necessary to assess and optimise vehicle performance in terms of tire/road noise, handling, ride comfort, vehicle NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) as well as durability. In addition, the dynamic behavior of tires play a key role in several new automotive technologies, this includes, intelligent driver assistance systems, active suspension, in-wheel electric drive and intelligent tires The aim of this project is to develop more accurate structural tire models. This is to be achieved by better understanding the influence the action of rolling has on the dynamic behaviour of tires. The physical phenomena that determines the complex dynamic properties of a rolling tire are not fully understood due to the strong multi-disciplinary nature of the subject. Consequently, the current tire models are not able to provide an efficient and accurate prediction of a rolling tire's dynamic behaviour. This project will study the physical phenomena through an integrated approach in which cutting-edge techniques and numerical tire dynamic analyses are linked and consolidated. Based on the obtained insights, the effects of rolling will be implemented with existing tire models in order to improve their accuracy and applicability. The developed implementations will be experimentally validated afterward. The integrated research approach of this project is based on a continuous transfer of scientific and engineering knowledge between industry and academia. Through secondments, recruitment, training and networking activities, this knowledge will be efficiently transferred. The outcome of the project will strengthen the European automotive industry and research through the availability of efficient and accurate tire dynamics simulation tools. For more information: http://www.tiredyn.org/
PRESS4TRANSPORT is funded by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Research under the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7)