A new efficient free-rolling tyre-testing procedure for the parameterisation of vehicle dynamics tyre models

This paper describes an efficient tyre test procedure that can be used to collect the data required to parameterise empirical tyre models used in the computer simulations of vehicle dynamics. The new GS2MF FreeRolling test procedure develops established methodologies, such as the time measurement procedure from the TIME project and the MICH2MF measurement protocol developed as alternatives to traditional square matrix testing. The new process is designed to reduce the number of expensive tyre tests without compromising the accuracy of the generated tyre model parameters. The process is demonstrated by a programme of tyre testing carried out using the Calspan TIRF tyre testing facility in the USA, and it is shown here how the GS2MF Flat-Trac® tyre test procedure can be used more efficiently to parameterise the pure lateral and self-aligning moment components for the well-known ‘magic formula’ tyre model. This is achieved using a ‘cruise’-type procedure which is more representative of conditions existing when driving a real vehicle. During the tests, a novel automated logic approach is also proposed to manage the temperature of the tyres. Finally, graph sweeps are introduced at the start and the end of the tests, allowing a judgement to be made as to the influence of the tyre wear on the data obtained throughout the tests. The development of accurate and representative tyre models remains a significant challenge as vehicle manufacturers target increased use of virtual prototypes and simulations. This work contributes to this challenge by improving the efficiency of the expensive testing process needed to parameterise the models.