This paper studied the measurement and evaluation methods of the tire/road noise. The objective and subjective noises of the curved tire tread pattern were measured with a dram type tire test machine with lower noise. The approach to design lower noise tire and the evaluation criterion for tire noise were obtained.
Tire noise, tire modal parameters, deformation of tire case, deformation of tread patterns and contact patterns are measured under the radial, tangential and side forces. The parameters investigated included groove depth, groove density, angle of the groove relative to the sidewall, groove shape, spacing between grooves, close groove and open groove. Toe-in angle and speed of tires were also studied. And the noise mechanisms of tire tread patterns were analyzed as well.
The relationship between the tire noise and the mode was studied as well as that one between the tire deflection and the noise. The deflections of tires are applied to tire design and tire (or vehicle) noise simulations. And the results are satisfying. For example, the Shanghai Tire and Rubber Co. supply lower noise tires to SGM and Shanghai Volkswagen Automotive Co. Due to this application the development cycle of new products is shortened.