Model simulation - The latest dynamic simulation developments for motorcycle tires

Motorcycle tires mechanics is rather different from car tires mechanics because motorcycle tires have toroidal-shaped cross sections and the contact area is smaller than car tires’ contact area. Moreover, in a curve motorcycle tires are always rolled and a significant part of tire forces is due to the presence of roll angle. Therefore, specific models of motorcycle tires are necessary. In the first section of this paper the main features of motorcycle tire models that are used for multi-body simulation by the Motorcycle Dynamics Research Group of Padua University are described. The need for a detailed understanding of the elastic properties of tire carcass is highlighted. Then, results of an experimental analysis of tire carcass elastic characteristics are shown and several models that are useful to understand tire carcass elastic behavior are presented. Finally, the stiffness parameters that define tire elastic behavior according to the proposed models are identified.