Abstract

Semi‐empirical theories of tire mechanics are employed to determine appropriate means to normalize forces, moments, angles, and slip ratios. Force and moment measurements on a P195/70R 14 tire were normalized to show that data at different loads could then be superimposed, yielding close to one normalized curve. Included are lateral force, self‐aligning torque, and overturning moment as a function of slip angle, inclination angle, slip ratio, and combinations. It is shown that, by proper normalization of the data, one need only determine one normalized force function that applies to combinations of slip angle, camber angle, and load or slip angle, slip ratio, and load. Normalized curves are compared for the effects of inflation pressure and surface water thickness. Potential benefits as well as limitations and deficiencies of the approach are presented.