Effects of Material Properties on Tire Noise

A designed experimental study was conducted to determine the effects of material properties on tire noise. The properties cover a wide range of moduli and tan delta for tread, sidewall, rimstrip and beadfiller. The noise evaluation was conducted both on the roadwheel and on the road. The tires were tested at different speeds, loads and inflation pressures. The overall noise levels, their directivity patterns and frequency content were obtained. The probable noise mechanisms are explored. The roadwheel tests indicate a larger influence of tread modulus on tire noise. Also, it was observed that the interaction between tread and sidewall properties affect tire noise levels significantly. Effects on interior vehicle noise were also evaluated for these tires on different road surfaces. A correlation was attempted between roadwheel and road noise results.