Evaluation of ride quality in a passenger car with non-uniform tyre radial stiffness

This study is dedicated to examining the influence of varying radial stiffness along the circumference of tyres on a road vehicle ride quality and with a specific focus on aspects relevant to maintenance. Computer simulations employing a three-dimensional road-vehicle model, developed within commercial multi-body software, were conducted to explore the multifaceted factors influencing vehicle behaviour. These factors encompass road unevenness, driving speed, and the range of radial force variation resulting from harmonic changes in tire radial stiffness. Furthermore, simulation tests were carried out using a model of a diagnostic wheel balancing machine, which holds significance in vehicle maintenance practices. Measurements obtained from a passenger car equipped with standard tires with minimal non-uniformity, served as reference values for assessing the car's vibration levels. Additionally, selected scenarios were examined, involving vehicle with multiple wheels exhibiting non-uniform radial stiffness. The findings underscore that non-uniform radial stiffness can magnify the detrimental effects of road irregularities, potentially leading to amplified vibration levels and a heightened need for maintenance considerations.