Measurement of 3D Tire Deformation, Force, Moment, and Contact Pressure

This paper describes the measurement procedures and results of vehicle tires using a synchronized optical and analog system. The device detects 3D positions, forces, moments, and contact pressures of a tire on the testing machine. The infrared light is captured by a vision sensor and the load cells as well as pressure transducers were recorded by an A/D board. Results from direct measurements, tire force machine (TFM) measurements, and dynamo measurements are presented. Vertical, lateral and fore-aft forces were applied in the TFM, where side slip and lock-up braking force vs. the normal load and yaw angles, and their relation with 3D tire deformations were measured. For the dynamometer testing, free rolling tests were conducted.