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A series of tests were conducted utilizing a tire test machine built to measure forces during a tire tread separation event. Tires were prepared by cutting between the two steel belts inward from the shoulder area. Cuts were varied in size and location to generate different types of tread separation events (ex: long, short, partial, inboard, and outboard). The tests document the longitudinal and lateral forces generated while the tread is detaching during different types of tread separation events. The results demonstrate that magnitude and duration of forces depend upon the nature of the tread separation event. Additional documentation includes high speed and real time video of the tread separation events to provide insights into tread detachment modes and mechanisms of measured force response.

Using analysis of a mini-van test vehicle’s static load conditions as a guide, four different vehicle loading situation were constructed. The loading situations represent the corners of the vehicle’s center of gravity position envelope. For the testing described in this paper a single vehicle under conditions of varied load was subjected to a series of test maneuvers designed to elicit objective measure and comparison of vehicle steady-state and transient response. The purpose of this paper is to describe the test method and present the results of handling testing and limit stability testing of a 1991 Ford Aerostar mini-van/extended van under four different loading conditions. Differences observed in the plotted results of vehicle steady state response for different load condition are detectable, but small. The test results demonstrate differences in vehicle transient response for different loading configuration.