THREE APPROACHES TO WINTER TRACTION TESTING

Abstract : Traction on winter surfaces was measured using three test vehicles, each designed to measure traction for a different purpose: vehicle mobility research (CRREL Instrumented Vehicle), commercial tire testing (Uniroyal- Goodrich traction tester), and airport runway safety (Saab friction tester). The traction measured with each method is comparable, but there are systematic differences due to the effects of the surface material and the test and analysis technique. This comparison serves as the fundamental basis for collaboration between the various traction testing communities and illustrates the need for well documented test procedures and data analysis as a standard for traction testing and evaluation. Mobility, Soil, Tires, Vehicle, Runway, Strength, Traction, Wheel, Snow, Terrain, Trafficability.