As new federal mandates, testing protocols, and efforts to improve safety come into play on the passenger car, light truck, and heavy trucking industries, the need for expanded tire testing capabilities becomes more and more evident.  Incremental improvements have been made to existing testing configurations, with belt systems leading the way.  Unfortunately, most existing systems have disadvantages and constraints that are accentuated by the higher loads, steer rates, and other testing conditions now demanded by the industry.

This presentation will discuss a new tire testing facility being developed in the Charlotte, NC region with the input of eight industrial affiliates from the automotive and tire industries.  The facility takes the best features of current tire testing machines while eliminating many of the challenges.  The result is a modular machine which advances testing capabilities such as high speed and high rate of steer dynamic testing, testing on paved surfaces, wet traction testing, high torque applications and cleat testing.  In addition, the facility will allow quantification of the effects of ambient conditions on tire grip.  Overall machine design and facility layout will be discussed, as well as time frame for construction.