The Effect of Tire Stiffness Parameters on Medium-Duty Truck Handling

This paper presents the results of a sensitivity study on the effect of tire stiffness parameters on selected handling performance metrics of a medium-duty truck. The tire stiffness parameters considered in the study are radial stiffness, longitudinal or braking stiffness, and cornering stiffness. An ADAMS model of a medium-duty truck was developed to simulate vehicle handling maneuvers. Two handling scenarios were considered: a combined braking and cornering scenario and a split-μ, straight-line braking scenario. The results of the study indicate that all three tire stiffness parameters are important in accurately predicting vehicle handling performance. Furthermore, when conducting design studies on suspension and steering system design variables other than tire stiffness parameters, the choice of specific values used for the tire stiffness parameters can significantly influence the results of the design studies. Recommendations are provided as to what values should be used for the tire stiffness parameters in the absence of data for specific tire stiffness parameters.