A contribution to tire/road friction modeling: From a simplified dynamic frictional contact model to a “Dynamic Friction Tester” model

This paper presents a new contribution to model tire/road friction. It proposes a calculation of hysteretic component of the rubber friction based on a simplified viscoelastic-rough contact model. The mechanical behavior of rubber elements is represented through “Kelvin–Voigt” model. The hysteretic friction force is calculated from the dissymmetry of the contact pressure due to the rubber viscoelastic behavior in given operating conditions. To validate the model, a series of texture and friction data are measured using two machines respectively, the Circular Track Meter and the Dynamic Friction Tester, through various test surfaces and compared to model results. The Circular Track Meter is a complementary measurement device to the Dynamic Friction Tester as texture measurements can be done on the exact same physical surface tracks where the Dynamic Friction Tester measuring pads have been in contact with the test surface. The obtained results show a very encouraging correlation between the model predictions to the experiment results, thus opening a promising and attractive way to predict tire–road friction. Some indications are given at the end to improve the modeling and to extend to it to a whole tire/road friction model. •Calculation of hysteretic component of the rubber friction.•The model is based on a simplified viscoelastic-rough contact model.•The mechanical behavior of the rubber is represented through "Kelvin–Voigt" model.•The hysteretic friction is calculated from the dissymmetry of the contact pressure.•The model is validated through various test surfaces and compared to model results.