Tyres, brakes or roads? New method clarifies particle sources in road traffic TU Braunschweig and Continental develop new method for analysing tyre abrasion
- New particle measuring devices from TU Braunschweig detect the finest abrasion particles immediately as they are produced
- Continental tests method in real-world driving tests with specially equipped measurement vehicle
- Results support tyre optimisation and preparation for Euro 7 limits from 2028
- OLRAP project delivers high-resolution data for distinguishing between tyre, brake and road abrasion for the first time
Tyre abrasion is one of the most significant sources of fine particles in road traffic. In order to record their formation even more precisely in the future, Technische Universität Braunschweig and Continental have developed a novel measurement method. At the heart of the method is a specially adapted suction system that collects and analyses the particles formed directly behind a driven wheel. In combination with high-resolution particle sensors, even extremely fine airborne particles can be detected.
OLRAP research project provides basis for optimisation in line with Euro 7 standard
The measurement method was developed as part of the recently completed OLRAP research project (‘Online analysis of airborne tyre abrasion particles during formation and differentiation from particles of other origins’), funded by zukunft.niedersachsen, the joint science funding programme of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture and the Volkswagen Foundation. “The data on the quantity, size and structure of the particles enables even more targeted optimisation of tyre designs and rubber compounds – without compromising safety and performance,” says Dr. Matthias Haufe, Head of Material Development and Industrialisation in Continental’s Tyre division. “This not only enables us to make technological advances, but also prepares our products for specific regulations such as the Euro 7 standard, which will set limits for tyre abrasion in the EU for the first time from 2028.”
Particles from brakes, road surfaces or tyres?
The OLRAP project provides insights into the nature of tyre abrasion. A specially equipped measurement vehicle designed by Continental for testing in real driving conditions was used. For example, it was equipped with a special vacuum cleaner that collected the particles behind a driven wheel. This made it possible to draw conclusions about the origin of the particles: whether they were produced by tyres, road surfaces or brakes, for example.
“For event-controlled sampling and better assignment of the particles to the mechanisms of origin, a multisampler was developed at TU Braunschweig that records the particles depending on the driving situation and environment,” explains Professor Carsten Schilde from TU Braunschweig.
At the same time, the particle measuring devices developed by TU Braunschweig, which were mounted at various points on the vehicle, including directly behind the wheels, provided detailed, time-accurate fine dust data. This data was correlated with factors such as driving dynamics, road surface and weather conditions – a crucial step in the scientifically sound recording of tyre abrasion. Together with the multisampler, which collects the extracted particles on different surface filters depending on the driving situation, these samples could also be specifically related to specific events during a measurement drive. This made it possible to compare particle samples in the laboratory that were taken, for example, only in curves or only when driving straight ahead.
Important findings for development, traffic and regulation
Funded by zukunft.niedersachsen, the joint science funding programme of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture and the Volkswagen Foundation.
“The highly complex test setup with simultaneous measurements at different points on our test vehicle provided enormous amounts of data. This helps us to better understand the topic of tyre abrasion,” says Dr. Benjamin Oelze, Head of Tyre Abrasion Test Method Development at Continental. “For example, we were also able to identify clear correlations between particle concentration and speed profile – and to what extent high longitudinal and lateral acceleration influences tyre abrasion.” These results can now also be used, for example, to control traffic flows in an even more environmentally friendly manner or to minimise emissions by optimising preset driving profiles for car models.