This paper investigates the use of computational and experimental methods to characterize the behavior of an automobile tire. First a 3D finite element model of standard reference test tire (SRTT) was developed to better understand the tire deformation under loading conditions. A parametric study of inflation pressure, normal loading, camber angle and slip angle was carried out to capture the influence of these parameters. A parametric study of the combined case scenario of the effects of the previously mentioned parameters was also performed.

A wireless sensor suite comprising of analog devices (strain, pressure and temperature sensors) was developed to capture the tire deformation under loading conditions similar to the ones used in running the finite element model. This sensor suite formed the basis for experimentally verifying the trends captured by the finite element model on a custom built tire test stand with capabilities of mimicking real-time conditions of a tire in contact with road. Using the results from the experiments and the finite element model an empirical model was developed which demonstrates how the hoop strains measured on the inner surface of the tire could be used to quantify desired parameters such as camber, slip and normal load. This model outlines empirical equations that relate strains to the contact area, slip (including slip angle and slip ratio), camber and normal load.