Study on Continuous Friction Characteristic Between Tire and Road

- Classification of Snow and Ice Road Surfaces Using Non-Contact Environmental Information Sensors -

Abstract

This study addresses the development of a forward-looking road friction estimation system for snowy regions in winter, where road surface conditions fluctuate significantly. Specifically, we investigated a method for estimating road friction based on environmental information in snowy regions during the winter. Therefore, we compared the contact-based road friction coefficients with non-contact environmental sensors on a proving ground, including surfaces such as dry pavements, packed snow, and ice. The study identified a correlation between the road friction coefficient and the infrared absorption rate (reflective intensity) measured by LiDAR and RGB camera. Additionally, we confirmed that road surface brightness and friction coefficient exhibit a correlation based on LiDAR and RGB camera measurements. By classifying various road conditions using environmental data gathered on a proving ground, our findings suggest that environmental information can be effectively used to estimate road surface friction characteristics ahead of a vehicle.