Truck tyre transient rolling resistance and temperature at varying vehicle velocities - Measurements and simulations

Rolling resistance is causing a significant part of the energy consumption in truck applications, especially at low-speed levels. To be able to better estimate the energy consumption or remaining driving range, the truck tyre rolling resistance must be understood well. Temperature is a vital parameter for rolling resistance estimations. This article shows truck tyre rolling resistance and temperature measurements in a climate wind tunnel and simulations of tyre temperature and rolling resistance. During the climate wind tunnel tests, tyre temperature at the shoulder and tread was measured. In addition, on-road driving was conducted with inner-liner infrared temperature measurements. Tyre temperature simulations were conducted using a thermal tyre model with speed-variable thermal inertia. The comparison of tyre temperature simulations with measured inner-liner and shoulder temperatures showed good agreement with the test data. The rolling resistance was simulated using the principle of time-temperature superposition, and a master curve for rolling resistance and a curve for tyre temperature shift were constructed. These curves were used to simulate rolling resistance at a wide range of speed levels with good agreement to the experimental results. The investigation showed that the tyre shoulder temperature is a better indicator of rolling resistance than infrared measurements from the tyre tread.