Coulomb friction tells us that T = mu x N. Where T is the tangential frictional force on a surface in Newtons [N]N is the normal force in Newtons [N] and mu is the dimensionless friction coefficient.
If we look at a vehicle, then N is the weight of the vehicle, and T is the maximum frictional force that the wheels have during eg cornering.
This ‘law’ tells us that the maximum frictional force T is independent of the contact surface with the road. I’ve always been under the illusion that wide tires provide more grip. Does this appear to be wrong?
Answer
indeed, wide tires do NOT have more grip on the road, in normal conditions.
The difference is in the strong acceleration and braking, or the hard cornering. In these situations, the tire will slip against the ground and heat up due to the friction. When the rubber melts, the friction decreases dramatically. A wide tire has a larger surface over which this heat can be dissipated, and will therefore warm up more slowly, and therefore melt less quickly, and can brake longer or tear through the bend.
Answered by
Engineer Bart Dierickx
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