In Situ Rubber-Wheel Contact on Road Surface Using Ultraviolet-Induced Fluorescence Method

Jhonni Rahman,Tomoaki Iwai,Yutaka Shoukaku

doi:10.3390/app10248804

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between rubber-wheel and the contact area on the road surface. Ultraviolet-induced fluorescence microscopy was used to observe and measure the contact parts with pyranine as a dye solution. The high sensitivity to U.V. light makes it easy to distinguish contact and non-contact regions on a very small scale. The experiment was conducted in static and dynamic conditions to identify its influence on the apparent contact area of rubber-wheel and road surface. The in-situ observation of the contact area was captured and recorded using a high-speed digital camera with 1-inch a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor. Additionally, the contact area between rubber-wheel and road surface was measured using an analyzing software. The results show differences in static and dynamic contact conditions based on the operating parameters.

Highlights

The study of contact mechanics between tire and road surface is a tribological application science in automobile
The contact area of the rubber-wheel increased with the applied load under the results, the contact areathe of contact the rubber-wheel with the appliedwith loadthe under staticload conditions
The contact area on the road surface was significantly affected by the topography

Summary

Introduction

The study of contact mechanics between tire and road surface is a tribological application science in automobile. The science in which friction is produced arises from the contact between rubber tire and road surface in order to transmit the tractional force. One way to reduce rolling resistance is by optimizing the tractional force between tire and road surface. In 2008, Gert Heinrich and Manfred Kluppel had reported an article about rubber friction, tread deformation and tire traction in sliding situation [4]. Their experiment intended to contribute data for tire dynamic contact during cornering and braking for vehicles with Anti-Braking System (ABS)

Methods

Results

Conclusion