SURFACE TECHNOLOGY
physical properties will manifest as performance traits, such as how the rubber will deform when subjected to external forces. Engineers are utilising this
advanced materials knowledge to develop new tyre compounds and forecast its properties during its lifecycle to create tyres that will not only last longer but also deliver more consistent performance. “The AI technology far exceeds
human capabilities to predict changes,” explains Löwenhaupt. “It has uncovered patterns of ageing and wear within the compound and structure that will significantly contribute to future tyre technologies and advanced products.” And as the AI technology is fed
more data, it continues to learn and develop. The number of properties that this technology can estimate will continue to increase over time. Tyre Leap AI Analysis sits within
a collection of advancements that SRI calls ‘Performance Sustaining
Technology’. Löwenhaupt expands on this: “Performance Sustaining Technology, or PST, enables tyres to maintain like-new performance for longer. It suppresses the degradation of performance that occurs during wear and its deterioration over time. This has huge potential for the tyre industry, and also for consumers as vehicles become smarter. “One such benefit will be its
contribution to the safety of autonomous vehicles. Because the tyre’s performance does not change as much over time, there are far fewer variables that an autonomous vehicle must take into account. The technology will enable us to develop tyres that will perform better, be safer for longer and will need to be serviced less frequently. This also has an environmental benefit as they won’t need to be replaced as often.” As greater emphasis is placed on reducing landfill and the wider carbon circle this is increasingly important for manufacturers.
Evidence of mechanochemical damage
ON THE ROAD So, what does this actually mean for real world use on the road? In part, more supple tyres. “Rubber hardens as softening agents seep out over time, which reduces grip,” explains Löwenhaupt. “By ensuring the rubber stays pliable we can sustain traction performance. Additionally, improving wear resistance means the groove depth in the tread can be maintained for longer lasting hydroplaning performance. “Ultimately, our aim is to develop
tyres that maintain the same performance, with zero change, until they are replaced. This of course means further improving resistance to wear and deterioration over time. However, as it is not possible to completely prevent performance degradation due to these and other causes, we are also working to establish technologies that allow tyres to self-repair or even to compensate for degradation by actually improving their performance over time.” Following the introduction of
Tyre Leap AI Analysis in 2019, the technology has already resulted in a new tyre product – Enasave Next III. Launched in December 2019 in Japan, the tyre is rated A-A, the highest possible for energy efficiency, as well as wet braking.
Groove depth is crucial for handling in the wet
MOLECULAR-LEVEL RESEARCH Tyre Leap AI Analysis is not the only advanced technology that has been utilised to develop the performance of this tyre. It has been used in tandem
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