Prediction of Energy Dissipation in Tire Tread Compound in Rolling Condition

Tire rolling resistance plays an important role in fuel consumption of automobiles. The main source of tire rolling resistance is viscoelastic loss of rubber compounds. Tire tread compound is the main source of viscoelastic loss among others. The change in rolling resistance of a tire with a new tread compound can be measured after manufacturing of new tire, which is time and money consuming. To reduce cost and time, prediction of energy dissipation of tire tread vulcanizates in rolling conditions has been considered. There are many methods for calculation of tire rolling resistance and/or measurement of energy dissipation in the tread compound under rolling condition in the laboratory. This article explains different methods for prediction of tire rolling resistance and illustrates the strengths and weaknesses of those methods.