Smithers and Stackpole Engineering Services announce the creation of Virtual Tire Lab

Akron, OH – Smithers announces the launch of Virtual Tire Lab, a unique, comprehensive toolset for analyzing raw data and comparing, contrasting, and adjusting virtual tire models for use in design analysis, simulation, and model certification. Virtual Tire Lab utilizes an annual subscription model to provide clients with access to a library of passenger and light truck tire models. During the subscription period, models are added to the Virtual Tire Lab library and include a variety of popular brands, sizes, and categories; such as all-weather, all-season, and EV-specific tires. All models are MF6.2 UM14 Handling Models.
“More and more, tire companies are turning to simulations and virtual tire models to test concepts earlier in the tire development process, especially as they integrate tire choices with new vehicle platforms,” said Jim Popio, PhD, Vice President, Smithers Materials Science and Engineering Division. “Recognizing a shared opportunity, Smithers and Stackpole Engineering Services have combined forces to accelerate our clients’ market entry through this venture. Virtual Tire Lab combines nearly 100 years of tire testing expertise from Smithers with Stackpole Engineering Services’ extensive knowledge of intricate, high-resolution tire models for various vehicle types. The two companies have been working together for several decades to bring tire modeling solutions to a variety of clients across the tire and automotive industries.
“A Virtual Tire Lab subscription includes an annual license to Agile Tire™, Stackpole Engineering’s flagship tire data analysis and modeling software. Agile Tire ™ provides engineers with peerless tire analysis capabilities, and allows users to review, analyze, and compare tire data captured at the Smithers Tire and Wheel Test Center, and tire models developed by Stackpole Engineering,” said Michael Stackpole, President & Founder, Stackpole Engineering Services. “Users can also leverage Agile Tire™ to modify tire model parameters and export models compatible with vehicle simulation software and driver-in-the-loop (DiL) simulators.”