Force Response during Tire Tread Detachment Event

A series of tests were conducted utilizing a tire test machine built to measure forces during a tire tread separation event. Tires were prepared by cutting between the two steel belts inward from the shoulder area. Cuts were varied in size and location to generate different types of tread separation events (ex: long, short, partial, inboard, and outboard). The tests document the longitudinal and lateral forces generated while the tread is detaching during different types of tread separation events. The results demonstrate that magnitude and duration of forces depend upon the nature of the tread separation event. Additional documentation includes high speed and real time video of the tread separation events to provide insights into tread detachment modes and mechanisms of measured force response.