Identification of the mechanical properties of bicycle tyres for modelling of bicycle dynamics

Abstract

Advanced simulation of the stability and handling properties of bicycles requires detailed road-tyre contact models. In order to develop these models, in this study, four bicycle tyres are tested by means of a rotating disc machine with the aim of measuring the components of tyre forces and torques that influence the safety and handling of bicycles. The effect of inflation pressure and tyre load is analysed. The measured properties of bicycle tyres are compared with those of motorcycle tyres

The effect of tyre and rider properties on the stability of a bicycle

“…Therefore, assumptions for the longitudinal force F x(k) are made, which are based on motorcycle data (see Appendix 1). Since the lateral stiffness (K a ) of bicycle tyres (about 4000 N/rad 18 ) is close to the lower limit of the lateral stiffness of motorcycle tyres, 26 the value of longitudinal stiffness K k of bicycle tyres is likewise chosen as the minimum value of the longitudinal stiffness of motorcycle tyres (4800 N) 26 with the same vertical load.…”

“…The tyre model properties are based on the data measured by Doria et al 18 They measured the tyre properties of four different bicycle tyres and studied the effect of working conditions, like the inflation pressure and load, on the mechanical properties of tyres. The characteristics of these tyres are given in Table 1.…”

“…However, in reality, due to a camber angle and the tyre cross section with radius r c , the contact point migrates and forces and torques are measured at a different point, point S in Figure 3(c). 18 For this reason an overturning torque has to be added. 6 The results of the tyre measurements presented in Doria et al 18 show that the tyre properties are loaddependent, which is also observed for motorcycle and car tyres.…”

“…18 For this reason an overturning torque has to be added. 6 The results of the tyre measurements presented in Doria et al 18 show that the tyre properties are loaddependent, which is also observed for motorcycle and car tyres. 24 The scaling methods presented in Pacejka 24 are used to scale the tyre properties to the nominal load.…”

“…The effect of tyre properties is studied using the tyre's forces and torques that have been measured in several operating conditions. 18 Regarding the rider's properties, the effect of stiffness and damping properties of the limbs is dealt with. The body is represented with a lumped element approach using inertial values found in the literature 19 and recently measured stiffness and damping properties.…”