Load Vs. Deflection Testing
The tire and wheel testing laboratory in Ravenna, Ohio, has the proper load and deflection equipment to generate springrate or stiffness data. This data is needed to characterize the tire in terms of performance and ride comfort. Our load deflection machine can also measure the footprint shape and associated pressure distribution.
With spring rate being one of the many factors that can affect the tire performance of vehicles, this value is critical in helping characterize tires.
Measures Tire Spring Rate Based on Vertical, Longitudinal, and Lateral Force Directions
Figure 1: Lateral Stiffness
Figure 2: Longitudinal Stiffness
Figure 3: Vertical Stiffness
Machine Capabilities
Our load deflection machine is capable of measuring tire spring rate based on the tire’s vertical, longitudinal, and lateral force directions. Machine specifications include:
Glass plate is 24” X 24” for footprints and full pressure distribution reports
- Loads up to 12,000lb
Stiffness/Spring rate – 8,000lbs in Kz (vertical), 4,000lbs in Kx and Ky (longitudinal and lateral)
- +/- 6deg camber
- Multiple cleat options
- Max diameter = 50”
- Max width = 18”
- 6PPD Alternative Development
- Accelerated Tire Aging
- Custom Product Displays
- Durability and Endurance Testing
- Electric Vehicle (EV) Tires
- Fleet Fuel Efficiency Analysis
- Force and Moment Testing
- Government Regulatory Tire Testing
- High-Speed Uniformity Testing
- Inflation Pressure Loss Rate (IPLR)
- Laboratory Tire Analysis
- Laser Tread Profilometry (CTWIST)
- OEM Design Validation
- OTR Tire Testing
- PRAT and RCF
- Rolling Resistance Testing
- Simulated On-Vehicle Accelerated Tire Testing
- Snow and Ice Traction
- Stiffness/Spring Rate Measurement
- Subjective Ride and Handling
- Tire Benchmarking
- Tire Buffing
- Tire Footprint Testing
- Tire Impact Testing
- Tire Labeling Testing
- Tire Modeling and Characterization
- Tire Proving Grounds
- Tire Quality Control Program
- Tire Shearography
- Vertical Load Testing
- Virtual Tire Lab