Novel Low Cost Experimental Procedures to Estimate the Longitudinal Force Characteristics of a Tire

The aim of the present study is to develop feasible test methods to measure tire parameters that can be used in two wheeler industry for tire development. In this work, test methods are developed to measure the longitudinal friction coefficient and stiffness characteristics of motorcycle tires. Using the measured longitudinal forces from the testing procedure, a fairly accurate tire model has been developed. Based on this tire model the braking performance of the motorcycle is estimated using an analytical model of the vehicle. These are validated with experimental data. It is found that there is a good match between the results. The test is conducted for various bias ply tires used in motorcycles and the results are presented. The test methods proposed are shown to be adequate to estimate tire characteristics that are important for tire development and is less expensive compared to the standard testing facilities available. The present study although carried out using a two wheeler, can be applied to tires in other vehicles also.