We develop and test a ‘‘slip-based’’ method to estimate the maximum available tire-road friction during braking. The method is based on the hypothesis that the low-slip, low-m parts of the slip curve used during normal driving can indicate the maximum tire-road friction coefficient, mmax . We find support for this hypothesis in the literature and through experiments. The friction estimation alg...

A model predictive controller for optimal braking of a road vehicle is proposed. Taking into account the additional information provided by a torque sensor located in the wheel, there is no need to use any longitudinal model of the vehicle. Instead, we detail a way to identify a tire/road characteristic. This on-line reconstruction is based on an estimation of the longitudinal wheel slip and an...

Inflatable wheels are a promising concept for longrange exploration of Mars as well as extremely rugged terrestrial terrains. This paper describes experimental studies that characterize the mobility of a single robotic inflatable wheel in terms of its ability to negotiate Mars-like cohesion-less soils, climb large discrete obstacles and endure the wear and tear caused by driving over kilometers...

Dampers in mechanical systems provide safety and comfort against dynamical and impact forces transmitted by external profiles. Since dampers are made of diverse elements, have a large range of performance variables. Therefore, analytical solution for predicting damper behavior is difficult. In the absence of analytical models, one of the popular and reliable methods is statistical modeling. In ...

An investigation of tires behaviour on winter roads was always a high importance in the context road safety. This paper presents experimental tire performance slush that is identified as two mixtures: mixture snow and water, crushed ice water. The measurements longitudinal lateral including traction, braking cornering were performed. Tire traction tests performed for both mixtures with differen...

Trucking fleets and owners of commercial vehicles utilize both new and retread tires on their vehicles in the United States. Retread tires are used primarily for the cost advantage they provide over a similar new tire. Despite the advantages that retreaded tires may bring, public perception is that retread tires are less safe than new tires as evidenced by the amount of tire debris frequently f...