Influence of Pattern Void on Hydroplaning and Related Target Conflicts

Abstract

Abstract Performance prediction of hydroplaning via coupling of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and FE modeling has delivered a detailed insight into the local mechanisms and root causes of hydroplaning but is still very time consuming and extensive. The goal of the present work is the development of simple rules of thumb and easy to understand models to give the tire designer a quick approach to optimize the hydroplaning performance of his design concepts including the target conflicting trade-offs. Based on the DOE study covering basic winter and summer tread patterns and tread compounds taking into account interactions, total void, longitudinal, and lateral void distributions have been varied. Experimental designs have been tested concerning longitudinal hydroplaning behavior on front and rear driven cars and lateral hydroplaning. Most important target conflicting performance criteria such as wet and dry braking, noise, rolling resistance, winter traction, and force and moment characteristics among others have been tested additionally. The existing models using hydrodynamic pressure influences have been reviewed and extended. A simple to use development tool has been programed to quantify pattern design to get a quick prediction of tire performance changes (“Void Slider”).