Parameterisation, validation and implementation of an all-terrain SUV FTire tyre model

This paper focuses on the parameterisation, validation and implementation of an FTire model of a Michelin LTX A/T-2 235/85R16 tyre. This tyre is designed for both on-and off-road use and is commonly used on all wheel drive SUVs. Quasi-static laboratory and dynamic field tests were conducted to acquire parameterisation and validation test data for the FTire model. Quasi-static parameterisation tests include acquiring vertical tyre stiffness over a fiat plate and cleats, tyre footprint sizes and shapes, longitudinal, lateral and torsional tyre stiffness for various tyre normal loads, as well as vibrational tyre responses. Dynamic parameterisation tests include dynamic cleat test data. An Adams model of the tyre testing equipment is implemented to simulate the FTire model and validate it against dynamic validation test results. Finally, the model is implemented on a fully nonlinear multi-body dynamics model of a Land Rover Defender. It is found that the FTire model is able to predict the lateral tyre behaviour well on a smooth road surface. The vertical and longitudinal tyre behaviour on a smooth road surface and on a rough surface are predicted accurately. (C) 2016 ISTVS. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.