Predictions of the Temperature Dependency of Braking Distance Using Bench Tests

Since it is known that vehicle braking distance depends on the road surface temperature, this study looked at several factors that could conceivably have a major effect on the braking distance. The authors focused attention on the viscous elasticity characteristics of the tire tread compound and developed a method of predicting the braking distance performance over a wide range of road temperatures, based on the results of the viscous elastic characteristics bench testing of the tread compound and also a minimum amount of actual vehicle testing. A comparison of predicted results and actual vehicle test results verified that the temperature dependence of the braking distance showed the same tendencies in both cases. Thus, the authors established a prediction method for braking distance which is applicable over a wide range of road temperatures using a bench test of tread rubber properties.