Design of Tire Tread Elements for Optimum Thin Film Wet Traction

In the present paper, flexible tread element squeeze film analysis is applied to the design of individual tread elements for optimum thin film wet traction. In particular, the effects of tread element shape and dimensions, tread element wear, and the elastic modulus of the tread rubber compound on the rate of fluid film penetration are presented and discussed. The changes suggested herein are made solely on the basis of thin film wet traction -- their effect on other important performance variables such as tire noise and wear has not been evaluated, which evaluation is an essential aspect of the total tire design process.