A Brush-based approach for modelling runway friction assessment device

ABSTRACT

This paper deals with the modelling of friction forces measured by runway friction assessment device. The Brush model has been modified to introduce the effect of water at the scale of the tire and the scale of the tire/runway contact area. Extensive experimental campaigns have been carried out to calibrate and validate the model with the IMAG (Instrument de Mesure Automatique de Glissance). Results show that the developed model can reproduce satisfactorily the measured friction-slip curves for different vehicle speeds, water depths and surface textures. The model also provides a better understanding of experimental results concerning friction on wet runways. In particular, it highlights the role of the tire/runway contact length, which governs the decrease of the friction coefficient and the initial slope of the friction-slip curve when the speed increases. Discussions are made in terms of benefits of the model for applications such as the prediction of aircraft braking friction or the harmonisation of friction measuring devices.

KEYWORDS:

• Tire-pavement friction
• aircraft braking
• ground friction measuring device
• contaminated runway
• Brush model

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.