Calculating the Perfect Tyre

Jülich scientists are improving a theory that predicts the friction of rubber tyres.

Jülich, 19 May 2015 – It is not only Formula One drivers who wish for the perfect tyre. Skid-resistant, abrasion-proof, and slow to wear out – these are the desired properties for rubber compounds. At the same time, in order to minimize fuel consumption, the rolling resistance should be as low as possible. Dr. Bo Persson, researcher at Forschungszentrum Jülich, has been working on theoretically explaining the phenomenon of rubber friction for 20 years. In the Journal of Chemical Physics, he and his colleagues now report on a further effect that also plays a part in this.

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