Methodology for Real-Time Hydroplaning Risk Estimation Using an Intelligent Tire System: An Analytical Approach

Area of Science:

• Automotive Engineering
• Fluid Dynamics
• Tire Technology

Background:

• Hydroplaning poses a significant safety risk for passenger vehicles.
• Existing methods for hydroplaning risk assessment often lack real-time capabilities.
• Intelligent tire systems offer a novel data source for vehicle dynamics analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a real-time methodology for quantifying tire hydroplaning risk.
• To utilize data from an intelligent tire system for hydroplaning risk assessment.
• To improve vehicle safety through advanced hydroplaning monitoring.

Main Methods:

• An analytical water lift force formulation was used to determine longitudinal water velocity from measured lift forces.
• Tire groove dimensions and water velocity were used to estimate the required flow rate for evacuation.
• Hydroplaning risk was defined as the ratio of intake flow rate to the tire's maximum evacuation capacity.
• Experimental tests were conducted under real-world and controlled conditions (1 mm water depth).

Main Results:

• The methodology successfully quantified hydroplaning risk in real-time.
• Average hydroplaning risk values of 12.6% at 45 mph and 21.3% at 65 mph were recorded.
• The model's predictions showed good agreement with literature data and established numerical models.
• Critical hydroplaning speed was estimated and validated against theoretical predictions.

Conclusions:

• The proposed methodology provides a reliable algorithm for real-time hydroplaning risk monitoring.
• Intelligent tire systems can be effectively used to assess and predict hydroplaning risk.
• This technology has the potential to significantly enhance vehicle safety by providing early warnings of hydroplaning conditions.