The high speed tyre test rig is based on a GMC/Volvo 10 wheel tractor unit, geared for a top speed in excess of 100 mph. The test rig is fitted with two 450 x 190 x 5 tyres on ATR rims.
Key facts
- 100 mph capability.
- Test tyre size: 450 x 190 x 5.
- ATR wheel rims.
- Wheel force and speed measurement.
- Tyre temperature measurement.
- Wheel load up to 10kN.
- Wheel side slip angle up to 20°.
Summary of applications
The wheels are mounted in a test frame attached to the rear of the tractor unit via a linear bearing. This allows the height of the test frame to be controlled independently of the tractor unit suspension and enables weight to be transferred from the rear of the tractor unit onto the test wheels. Each of the test wheels can be subjected to a vertical force of up to 10kN. The two test wheels are mounted in parallel and linked such that their tracking (toe in/out) can be varied equally and opposite to each other in the range 0° to + 20°. The tyres can, therefore, be subjected to varying side slip angles at speeds from 10 to 100 mph. The instrumentation fitted to the rig enables the vertical longitudinal and lateral forces to be measured and recorded together with tyre temperature, wheel speed and true forward speed. From these data wheel slip can be calculated. It is also possibly to mount thermal and visible cameras to the rig to further enhance the data recorded.
The high speed test rig can be used for measuring:
- Undercarriage forces,
- Tyre wear rates,
- Grip levels at different tyre temperatures,
- Characterising the performance of different tyre compounds.
Using the facility
- Nose gear steering force measurement (Airbus).
- Accelerated tyre wear measurement (Dunlop).
- Tyre characterisation (Airbus).