The Calspan Tire Research Facility (TIRF)
is a unique indoor facility for obtaining
the most comprehensive and consistent data
on customized tire test performance characteristics.
Designed and built in 1972, TIRF completely
defines and measures the forces and moments
transmitted between the roadway and the
tire over the following operating conditions:
The RRM also offers a continuous steel
belt that simulates the flat surface roadway.
The tire contact patch is supported by
means of a hydrostatic water bearing.
It includes a unique three-axis load cell
specifically developed to measure low fore/aft
and lateral forces in the presence of a
large vertical force.
With the RRM Calspan can evaluate tire
rolling resistance characteristics of a
free-rolling tire and power transmission
of a driven tire under controlled applied
torque conditions.
