Smithers & Stackpole release Virtual Tire Lab

Testing, consulting, information, and compliance services firm Smithers has, together with tyre and vehicle development technology specialist Stackpole Engineering Services, debuted the Virtual Tire Lab. Announcing the launch, Smithers describes Virtual Tire Lab as a “unique, comprehensive toolset for analysing raw data and comparing, contrasting, and adjusting virtual tyre models for use in design analysis, simulation, and model certification.”

Subscribing clients gain access to a library of passenger and light truck tyre models via Virtual Tire Lab, with new models added during the subscription period. Models include a variety of popular brands, sizes, and categories, such as all-weather, all-season, and EV-specific tyres. All models are MF6.2 UM14 Handling Models.

Trend towards virtual development

“More and more, tyre companies are turning to simulations and virtual tyre models to test concepts earlier in the tyre development process, especially as they integrate tyre choices with new vehicle platforms,” says Jim Popio, PhD, vice president, Smithers Materials Science and Engineering Division. “Recognising 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 tyre testing expertise from Smithers with Stackpole Engineering Services’ extensive knowledge of intricate, high-resolution tyre models for various vehicle types. The two companies have been working together for several decades to bring tire modelling solutions to a variety of clients across the tyre and automotive industries.”

“A Virtual Tire Lab subscription includes an annual license to Agile Tire, Stackpole Engineering’s flagship tyre data analysis and modelling software. Agile Tire provides engineers with peerless tyre analysis capabilities, and allows users to review, analyse, and compare tyre data captured at the Smithers Tire and Wheel Test Center, and tyre models developed by Stackpole Engineering,” adds Michael Stackpole, president and founder, Stackpole Engineering Services. “Users can also leverage Agile Tire to modify tyre model parameters and export models compatible with vehicle simulation software and driver-in-the-loop (DiL) simulators.”

According to Smithers, Virtual Tire Lab is a valuable tool for vehicle OEM development teams, tyre manufacturers aiming to benchmark diverse models, tier suppliers of suspension, powertrain, braking, and steering systems seeking to better understand how various tyres interact with their systems earlier in the design process. For more information about Virtual Tire Lab, visit www.virtualtirelab.com.