SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Feb. 26, 2025 – Yokohama, in collaboration with esteemed rubber friction expert Dr. Bo Persson, has achieved a significant breakthrough by developing the world's first theoretical model capable of predicting rubber wear on surfaces with multiscale roughness.
Pioneering a New Era in Tire Technology
The collaboration between Yokohama and Dr. Bo Persson marks a pivotal moment in tire technology. Dr. Persson, a globally recognized researcher in contact, friction, wear, and lubrication, brings his unparalleled expertise from the Peter Grünberg Institute (Germany) and Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics (China), as well as through his company, Multiscale Consulting (Germany). His work has been extensively documented in peer-reviewed academic journals, validating his unique approach to contact mechanics and rubber friction. His achievements were further recognized with the Tire Technology International Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.
A Collaborative Breakthrough
Yokohama's strategic partnership with Multiscale Consulting, formalized through a collaborative contract, aimed to delve into the complexities of friction and wear on rubber and road surfaces. This partnership has culminated in the development of a groundbreaking theoretical model. This model accurately predicts multiscale rubber wear behavior on uneven road surfaces, addressing a challenge that has long eluded researchers. Specifically, it handles the vast range of measurement, from nanometer to centimeter.
Validation Through Rigorous Testing
The efficacy of the newly developed model was rigorously tested through experiments measuring rubber wear behavior under varying conditions. These included dry and wet conditions, different contact pressures, and sliding speeds. The results were compelling: the model's predictions of wear rates (mass loss per unit of sliding distance) and the size distribution of wear particles closely aligned with the experimental findings. This validation confirms the model's reliability and its potential for accurate predictions.
"This theoretical model marks a significant advancement in our understanding of rubber wear," stated Dr. Bo Persson. "The ability to accurately predict wear behavior across multiple scales will enable us to develop more durable and environmentally friendly tires."
"We are thrilled with the results of our collaboration with Dr. Persson and Multiscale Consulting," said a spokesperson for Yokohama. "This breakthrough will not only enhance the performance and longevity of our tires but also contribute to addressing environmental concerns associated with tire wear."
Driving Towards Sustainable Solutions
Yokohama's commitment to innovation extends beyond performance. The company plans to continue its research with Dr. Persson and Multiscale Consulting to further enhance tire wear resistance. This initiative is particularly crucial in light of the growing prevalence of heavy electrified vehicles, such as EVs, which place increased demands on tire durability. By mitigating tire wear, Yokohama aims to contribute to resolving environmental issues associated with particle emissions.
The Future of Tire Wear Prediction
This theoretical model represents a significant leap forward in understanding and predicting rubber wear. Its ability to accurately simulate real-world conditions at multiple scales provides a powerful tool for developing next-generation tires. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, innovations like this will play a critical role in ensuring safety, performance, and environmental sustainability.
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