Track Surface Effects on Race Tyre Performance

A model of the interaction between track surface asperities and racing slick tyre tread rubber is presented. The model is used in conjunction with a new explanation of the load sensitivity phenomenon to analyse and predict tyre performance.

It has been found that track surface asperities are not entirely random in nature and fall into groups with similar properties, such that a range of typical asperities can be defined for a given surface. It has also been found that the shape and magnitude of lateral force versus slip angle curves, for different track surfaces, are defined by the way in which the typical asperities interact with the tread rubber.

The model developed can be used to accurately predict tyre forces, including quantification of the significantly different behaviour in the transient phase. It can be applied to transposing data obtained from constrained test rigs and test tracks to race circuits, and can also be used to transpose data from different operating temperatures and track conditions.