Basic functions of the tyre as a connection element in vehicle-road

interaction

The tyres have a major contribution to motor vehicle performances like:

traction;

braking;

steering;

comfort;

fuel saving;

safety.

So, a tyre must provide high adherence, proper ride characteristic and stiffness, low rolling resistance and
noise, high reliability (fatigue and separation) and wear resistance (including bruise, cutting, cracking and
tearing resistance).
Beside the tyre properties, the vehicle-road interaction is affected also by the motor vehicle and road
surface properties. Some influence factors on these components, from the vehicle-road interaction point
of view, are further presented.
Tyre properties are affected by:

type of tyre carcass (and breaker) construction;

size and shape of the tyre;

size and shape of the contact area between tyre and road;

materials properties - especial of the rubber compounds;

tread pattern design;

tread wear state;

inflation pressure.

Motor vehicle properties are affected by:

load carrying capability;

body design and aerodynamics by loading imposed on each tyre in straight running;

suspension construction by load transfer in traction, braking and cornering;

speed capability;

tractive torque available;

steering control type and wheel alignment;

braking mechanism type (locking or anti-lock systems).

Road surface properties are affected by:

surface hardness;

friction coefficient under dry conditions;

macro and micro surface texture (rough, smooth, polished or sharp);

water drainage;

wear characteristic with use;

contamination (water, ice, snow, dust, mud or sand);

temperature.

Unfortunately, referring to the tyre, not all desired performances could be reached in the same time. For
example, a tyre with a good adherence on dry road could provide a worth one on a wet road or on ice. In
the same idea some very simplified connections between tyre characteristics and its performances are
presented in table 1.
Table 1 - Simplified connections between tyre characteristics and tyre performance
Tyre performances
Influenc
Tyre
e
Ride Rolling
Wear
characteris
paramet Adheren comfo resistan resistan Nois
tic
ce
e
er
rt
ce
ce
Tyre
carcass
Tyre
and breaker rigidity,
design
Tyre size

Contact
area,

Rubber
Rubber
compounds hysteres
properties
is,
Tread
pattern
design

Pattern
high,

*Red arrows reflect positive influence.

Steel Belts
Steel belts are a common feature in many rubber tires, helping to further improve
handling and resistance to wear and tear; they often improve gas mileage as well.
In addition to steel, other materials, such as rayon and fiberglass, are used in belted
tires.

Composition

All rubber tires have a rubber and fabric composition, which is molded
to the size needed to fit the various rim sizes on vehicles. Additionally,
chemicals are added to the rubber to improve its life and performance. Steel
wires also are built into the tires, near their inner edge, to help them better
stay on the metal rims.

Bonding

Rubber tires, with their flexible qualities, bond to the minor

irregularities in the surface of a road, providing higher friction that helps tires
grip the road better. That serves to improve handling, stability and braking
capabilities as well.

Strength

Rubber, in addition to being flexible, is highly durable, even more so

after a tire goes through the vulcanization process. Rubber tires are strong,
able to hold the air pressure needed for them to operate properly and to
resist puncture from objects such as sharp stones in the road.

Wear and Tear

The chemical processing used in the manufacture of tires makes an

already tough product even better. Those chemicals make tires more
resistant to wear and tear. The chemicals also stop tires from melting from
excessive heat, or cracking in extreme cold. In addition, this treatment slows
the aging process of the rubber tires, making them last longer than they
would untreated.