Abstract
This research investigates the frictional behaviour of racing tyres and compares it to the behaviour of standard road tyres. The analysis is carried out by simulating a racing tyre and a standard tyre rolling on a common track surface. A novel physical tyre model has been developed for this purpose. The model allows a detailed description of the tyre footprint mechanics, the tread compound and road surface physical characteristics. The design and development of the physical tyre model is the result of an in depth literature review, which investigates and critically discusses the main modern theories on rubber friction. In this context, the review singles out the work of Persson (2001a, 2006b), whose approach to mathematically model the complex interactions between road surface and rubber seems a good solution to be implemented in real time applications for tyre models. Persson's theories are replicated within the physical tyre model. The model is then used to calculate the footprint distribution of coefficient of friction and operating temperatures of the racing and standard tyres in order to draw some comparisons. The simulations are limited to pure traction and cornering events carried out on two surfaces with different characteristics. The simulation results highlight the greater sensitivity of racing tyres to variations in operating temperatures and the track surface characteristics. In particular, the physical model simulations show the very narrow range of operating conditions of racing tyres. This explains the variety of tread compounds that are normally used in racing competitions in order for the tyre to suit the different track surfaces and temperatures.