A universal method to predict wet traction behaviour of tyre tread compounds in the laboratory

Wet grip is one of the most important properties relevant to tyre safety. the slip dependency of the side force coefficient was investigated with extra attention to antilock braking system (abs)-breaking. a set-up which enables the simulation of wet road properties leads to a fair prediction of wet grip. a laboratory test method has been developed which uses a rotating disk against which a rubber sample wheel runs under a given load,slip angle and speed. the side force component acting on the wheel during the tests was recorded. the surface can be wetted with water at different temperatures and the side force at a slipping wheel is measured over a wide range of temperatures,slip and speed. low water temperatures and low slip speed settings in the laboratory produce side force ratings,which correlate excellently with abs braking on the road. median and high slip speeds give ratings in close agreement with locked wheel braking on the road.