Measurement and Visualization of the Contact Pressure Distribution of Rubber Disks and Tires

Abstract

Abstract The contact conditions of a tire with the road surface have a close relationship to various properties of the tire and are among the most important characteristics in evaluating the performance of the tire. In this research, a new measurement device was developed that allows the contact stress distribution to be quantified and visualized. The measuring principle of this device is that the light absorption at the interface between an optical prism and an evenly ground or worn rubber surface is a function of contact pressure. The light absorption can be measured at a number of points on the surface to obtain the pressure distribution. Using this device, the contact pressure distribution of a rubber disk loaded against a plate was measured. It was found that the pressure distribution was not flat but varied greatly depending upon the height and diameter of the rubber disk. The variation can be explained by a “spring” effect, a “liquid” effect, and an “edge” effect of the rubber disk. Next, the measurement and image processing techniques were applied to a loaded tire. A very high definition image was obtained that displayed the true contact area, the shape of the area, and the pressure distribution from which irregular wear was easily detected. Finally, the deformation of the contact area and changes in the pressure distribution in the tread rubber block were measured when a lateral force was applied to the loaded tire.