Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaluating the ability of a tire to clean its tread is provided. For example, an apparatus (100) and method for evaluating the ability of a tire to eject materials such as e.g., mud from its tread during use is provided. Samples (10) of a subject test pattern are rotated at predetermined rpm profile. A camera (170) captures the effect of centrifugal forces on the materials during rotation, which in turn may be used to compare how differences in tread patterns impact the ejection of materials (15) from the tread during use.

Abstract: Methods are provided for evaluating the ability of a tire to release materials from its tread during rotation. A tire tread is rotated about an axis while images of the tread are recorded to capture the effect of centrifugal forces on materials that have been loaded into the tread. The images are then used to quantify the location of certain events during the rotation of the tire tread such as when e.g., materials first began releasing from the tread during rotation and/or the rate of such release. These events can be correlated with other variables such as the rpm, centrifugal acceleration, and/or time at which such events occurred. By comparing these quantitative results for different tread patterns, the effect of differences between tread patterns can be evaluated to develop and improve the self-cleaning ability of a tire.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evaluating the ability of a tire to clean its tread is provided. For example, an apparatus (100) and method for evaluating the ability of a tire to eject materials such as e.g., mud from its tread during use is provided. Samples (10) of a subject test pattern are rotated at predetermined rpm profile. A camera (170) captures the effect of centrifugal forces on the materials during rotation, which in turn may be used to compare how differences in tread patterns impact the ejection of materials (15) from the tread during use.

Abstract: Methods are provided for evaluating the ability of a tire to release materials from its tread during rotation. A tire tread is rotated about an axis while images of the tread are recorded to capture the effect of centrifugal forces on materials that have been loaded into the tread. The images are then used to quantify the location of certain events during the rotation of the tire tread such as when e.g., materials first began releasing from the tread during rotation and/or the rate of such release. These events can be correlated with other variables such as the rpm, centrifugal acceleration, and/or time at which such events occurred. By comparing these quantitative results for different tread patterns, the effect of differences between tread patterns can be evaluated to develop and improve the self-cleaning ability of a tire.