T~3M - TUV Tire Temperature Method A Breakthrough Methodology for Evaluating Tire Robustness, Performance and Wear

摘要

By developing T~3M, a unique, patented method for real-time temperature measurements inside the tire structure, TUV SUD Automotive has achieved a breakthrough in evaluating both the robustness and performance of tires. T~3M combines advanced proprietary micro-sensor technology with specially developed simulation methods for modelling temperature dependent tire properties. Because there is little correlation between surface or inside air temperatures and those inside the tire compound, conventional temperature measurements have proven to be insufficient for analyzing tire properties. These limitations have now been overcome by T~3M allowing measurements "deep inside" the tire. TUV SUD Automotive's development of T~3M is the result of years of extensive research in the field of stress- and wear-induced tire damage as well as preventive strategies and methods. This research clearly shows that temperatures inside the tire structure are the most reliable, measurable indicator of potential tire damage as well as a significant parameter for analyzing tire performance and wear. The analytical methods used in conjunction with the temperature measurements allow each tire to be awarded an individual sensitivity profile regarding its temperature behaviour: the tire's characteristic temperature "fingerprint", i.e. the sensitivity of the tire's temperature to changes of various, selected influencing parameters. The "fingerprint" provides the basis for "temperature mapping", i.e. the characterization and modelling of the tire's temperature characteristics in operating conditions. T~3M capabilities include empirical temperature modelling to predict temperatures under certain operating conditions as well as dynamic simulations of tire temperatures. In addition to enabling virtual tire robustness, performance and wear assessments under any foreseeable operating conditions, temperature simulation is particularly suitable for predicting the performance and wear of a tire in terms of its temperature-dependent parameters, and making appropriate adjustments ("Closed Loop Simulation"). Such simulation models, for example, may be used to optimize race and production cars regarding the interaction between the tire, vehicle, track and driver for handling, safety and wear targets.