Controlled Braking Experiments with and without ABS

An experimental program to measure braking characteristics developed under emergency braking conditions by ABS-Equipped vehicles was designed and performed. Variables examined included initial braking speed, vehicle type, tire pressure and data recording equipment utilized. All experiments were conducted on a closed airport taxiway constructed of sharp, brushed and heavily striated concrete. Tests were conducted with and without activated ABS systems on the test vehicles.

Results showed that (1) with the ABS activated, faint roadway markings were visible only under a very few special circumstances, (2) tire/road µ-values and corresponding deceleration values varied only slightly for differing speeds and ABS conditions, (3) tire pressure made little difference in limited test results, and (4) there were differences in recorded results depending on the equipment used for data acquisition.

Presenter
L. Daniel Metz