Smithers tire expert to present tire wet grip performance research at 2024 Tire Society Conference

Akron, OH – Smithers announces that Eric Pierce, Principal Engineer, Smithers Winter Test Center & Treadwell Research Park, will be speaking at the 43rd Annual Tire Society Conference in Akron, Ohio, on September 11-13. Smithers is also sponsoring the conference.

Pierce’s presentation is titled “Investigation of Variation in Buffed Tire Profiles on Worn Wet Grip Results” and shares the process and results of a research project conducted by Smithers to understand the sensitivity of wet braking performance as it relates to variations of tread depth and profile, using buffed tires. Pierce will discuss: How Smithers leveraged part-to-part repeatability testing to investigate variations in wet grip performance index.
The process for creating different wear profiles by buffing and grinding away tread rubber of replicate tires.
Using UNECE R117 wet grip procedures to test each prepared tire.

“Wet traction performance is a crucial aspect of overall tire performance,” said Pierce. “However, traditional methods for wet traction testing only provide a benchmark for a single point in the tire’s lifecycle and don’t account for how performance changes over time. Simulating wear over time via mileage accumulation is costly and time-consuming. Using a buffer to create artificially worn tires can be a viable alternative for assessing wet grip, resulting in faster, more cost-effective testing.”

“Eric’s research demonstrates that variations in buffed tire tread profiles can have an impact on wet grip performance,” said Jim Popio, PhD, Vice President, Smithers Materials Science and Engineering Division. “The Tire Society Conference, with its focus on tire science and industry trends, is a fantastic venue to share what we’ve learned and discuss its implications with our valued colleagues in the tire industry.”

Pierce oversees engineering projects related to winter testing, wet traction, tire buffing, noise testing, and on-vehicle testing. He has specific expertise in wet and winter traction testing for passenger, light truck, and truck tries. Prior to joining Smithers, he served as lab manager for the Center for Tire Research (CenTire) at Virginia Tech. He earned his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Pierce’s presentation is slated for 10:35am on Thursday, September 12th at Tire Society.