SRI using AI to reduce tyre air resistance

A new simulation technique will aid tyre development at Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) by helping to minimise the impact of air resistance. This ‘Tire Aerodynamic Simulation’ technique uses artificial intelligence to visualise the airflow that develops around the tyres when a vehicle is in motion, and the Falken brand manufacturer will use the knowledge it gains to “pursue the development of a tyre shape that optimises aerodynamic performance.” SRI aims to launch an electric vehicle (EV) tyre developed using Tire Aerodynamic Simulation in 2027.

The impact of air resistance is becoming an increasingly important consideration for SRI. EVs experience much less energy loss from heat than their combustion engine counterparts, which lose over half their energy in this way. This means air resistance accounts for a larger proportion of total energy loss in EVs. Data cited by SRI indicates that air passing around the tyres contributes 20 to 25 per cent to an EV’s total air resistance-related energy loss. Air resistance combined with rolling resistance accounts for 34 to 37 per cent of an EV’s energy loss.

Improved performance & aesthetics

The Tire Aerodynamic Simulation technique allows SRI to visualise air resistance around a tyre, using actual vehicle data to calculate the aerodynamics of a rotating tyre while simulating the tyre pattern. It analyses results through the use of AI technology. The technique takes tyre deflection due to vehicle weight into account, and SRI can also factor in changes to sidewall lettering and texture. The tyre maker comments that while smoothening the sidewall is important when reducing air resistance, the aforementioned features will help it enhance tyre aesthetics while improving performance.

In wind tunnel testing with an actual vehicle, SRI verified that EV tyres developed using the Tire Aerodynamic Simulation technique generate less airflow behind the tyre than standard tyres. These tyres also have a less uneven sidewall, additionally lowering air resistance. SRI reports that its wind tunnel testing “confirmed the potential of the newly developed simulation technique.” Furthermore, the simulation’s AI technology indicates that the tyre sidewall “plays a crucial role” in reducing air resistance when levels of air resistance are high.