Steady-state rolling resistance prediction model of non-pneumatic tyres considering tread temperature: theory and experiment

Non-pneumatic tires have potential advantages over pneumatic tires, including lower rolling resistance. First, a non-pneumatic mechanical elastic wheel (ME-Wheel) was designed. Based on its structural characteristics, a tread temperature prediction model under steady-state rolling conditions was established, and the accuracy of the established model was verified through temperature measurement experiments. Combined with the tread temperature prediction model, a steady-state rolling resistance prediction model of ME-Wheel was established, and the basic parameters (ground length CL, ground width CW, radial stiffness SR) required for the model were identified through experiments. Finally, the experimental data were compared with the predicted values under different speed and load conditions. The results showed that the average simulation value of the rolling resistance coefficient of ME-Wheel was 0.01853, which was positively correlated with speed and load. The test results and predicted values showed a similar trend under the same operating conditions, with a maximum error of less than 3.5%. This proved that the novel non-pneumatic tyre steady-state rolling resistance prediction model based on tread temperature could accurately predict the steady-state rolling resistance of tyres. This research addresses a significant topic in tyre technology and has the potential to influence future designs and optimizations of non-pneumatic tyres.