Influence of Wheel Stiffness on Tire Dynamic Performance and Driving Stability

- Analysis of Influence of Wheel Stiffness Focusing on Tire Contact Patch Characteristics -

Abstract

The goal of this paper is to enable more accurate investigation of the influence of wheel stiffness on driving stability, which has thus far relied mainly on heuristics. The experimental method used was as follows. Analysis used wheel specifications with differing stiffness, and proceeded in steps starting with the relationship between wheel stiffness and tire contact patch characteristics, then the relationship between wheel stiffness and tire dynamic performance, and lastly the relationship between wheel stiffness and driving stability. The factors and effects were clarified in each step. Analysis of the relationships between the wheel stiffness ratio and driving stability and reduction of wheel weight were investigated.