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vital role that tyres play in vehicle performance, across various
road surfaces and
under different weather conditions, is often underestimated.
To add to the performance of a well-designed and engineered
vehicle, the correct choice of tyre is essential. Gerotek's
thorough knowledge of the African continent and its environment
makes it able to deal with these challenges.
Testing
is undertaken on various surfaces and repeatability is guaranteed
by closely monitoring and controlling test conditions. Repeatablity
plays an important role, where the performances of different
tyres are evaluated against each other to ensure the specific
qualities of the test item are displayed.
Gerotek offers specially designed tests to evaluate the performance
characteristics of various tyre types and sizes:
Sand Traction
Africa's harsh desert regions make correct tyre choice essential
to ensure a vehicle's mobility in sand conditions. Through
the measuring of different parameters, such as vehicle and
wheel speeds and gross and nett traction, the performance
of different tyre designs can be monitored and compared.
To ensure repeatability, sand strength is monitored and can
further be controlled to meet specific needs to a tolerance
of approximately 1 000 kPa/m. Gerotek's 62 m Enclosed Sand
Trough offers testing facilities where the influence of changing
weather conditions and sand strength can be projected. In addition,
the mobility of the tyre/vehicle combination can be tested
in conditions in the Kalahari Desert, simulating typical conditions
found elsewhere in Africa.
Mud Traction
A vehicle's mobility in swamp conditions often plays an important
role in tyre selection. Tyre performance can be measured under
similar controlled conditions.
Tyre Temperature
Test
The heat build-up in tyres contributes
to the overall safety of the driver, the load and other road
users. A great deal can be learnt about tyre design and application
by monitoring tyre temperatures under different conditions.
Gerotek's High Speed Track offers a facility where tyre temperatures
can be measured under controlled speeds and road surfaces.
Tyre Penetration Resistance
The harsh conditions and varying road surfaces in Africa and
elsewhere in the world, place tyres under undue stress. Gerotek's
Tyre Penetration Machine helps determine a tyre's resistance
to penetration. This machine can accommodate tyres of sizes
varying in diameter from 0.4 m to 1.3 m, with wheel loads
of up to 70 kN. The resistant force can be measured on the
centre line and the side wall.
Determination of
Tyre Contact Area
Different tyre types and tread patterns can be measured and
compared using the tyre's contact area. This enables the end-user
to buy the right tyre for the right application. It can also
be used in tyre design and development. Gerotek has the expertise
and facilities available to accurately measure tyre contact
area on diameters ranging from 1 m to 1.7 m under load conditions
of up to 100 kN.
Handling
A vehicle's handling capabilities are influenced by tyre design.
Everyday situations such as under- steer and over-steer are
simulated under controlled conditions. The latest test equipment,
when fitted to the vehicle, offers accurate information regarding
vehicle/tyre handling characteristics.
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