Sensing Normal and Shear Forces at Dynamic Interface of Tires (SENSDIT)

ABSTRACT: In military aircraft tires, the wheel-tire interface (bead-seat) region is of particular interest since the generated ground forces terminate into the load-bearing"bead-seat"contact area. Thus, the forces generated in both the tire and wheel interface region is of interest. Existing measurement methods of the contact pressure at the wheel-tire interface are limited to only capturing the normal pressure at this interface. Therefore, a new measurement technology is desired to obtain both normal and shear forces at this interface contact region. The new measurement system is desired to provide real-time, continuous measurement of contact pressure variations of both the normal and shear forces at the wheel-tire interface of a quasi-static rolling tire assembly. The proposed solution will revise existing technology of electroactive polymers such as those used to measure large displacements. The material and sensing electronics will be modified to be enable measurement of both normal and shear force at the wheel-tire interface. Additional electronics shall record/transmit data as desired. BENEFIT: Military: Improved predictions and flight-line based test system of aircraft tire performance/integrity intervals to reduce flight-line maintenance checks/tire replacement costs. Commercial: A commercial test to provide advantages in tire wear, safety, traction, and fuel economy.