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

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.