The Effect of Deformation Mode in the Prediction of Tire Performance by Dynamic Mechanical Analysis

Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) is often used to predict tire performance of tread compounds. In this investigation, the effect of the deformation mode, i.e. comparison of compression, tension, and simple shear, upon the tire performance predictors was studied. Our testing included strain and temperature sweep experiments, which were carried out on a series of model silica filled tread compounds. The strain sweep experiment provided information about the extent of the Payne and Mullins Effects, along with predictions for rolling resistance, dry traction, and dry handling. The temperature sweep experiment provided predictions for winter, ice, and wet traction. Test results will be analyzed in comparison to theoretical expectations.