A Device for Measuring Mechanical Characteristics of Tyres on the Road

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Abstract
This paper describes a machine which measures the mechanical force and moment characteristics of pneumatic tyres moving over flat road surfaces. Development of interest in tyre force measurements is briefly reviewed, and the unique relationship of the Air Force-Cornell tyre tester to other tyre force-measuring equipment is indicated. The design evolution is discussed and the final configuration of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical components is described in detail. The axle carrying the test tyre is supported at its ends by units which measure five forces. A sixth measurement, braking torque, is made simultaneously. These six measurements are used to compute total road reaction forces and moments, referred to any desired axes. The supporting mechanism permits the test tyre to be steered 30 deg. to either left or right, tilted (cambered) 30 deg. from the vertical to left or right, and vertically loaded with a force variable from zero to 3,000 lb. A braking torque of 13,000 in.-lb. can also be be applied. Electrical resistance strain gauges sense the forces and produce time histories on a recording oscillograph. The entire equipment is mounted on a 2 1/2-ton 6-wheel truck which can attain speeds up to 60 m.p.h. while testing tyres.

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