Sumitomo develops 'faster, more accurate' tire noise simulation method

Kobe, Japan – Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) has developed a new simulation method to predict tire noise on road surfaces “more accurately and in a shorter time” than before.

The method uses vibration input from road unevenness and the sound absorption characteristics of the road surface to predict tire noise, SRI said in a statement on 4 Dec.

The technology achieves a 1% margin of error compared to physical measurements, which SRI described as a ‘significant improvement’ from the previous 5% margin of error in prediction accuracy.

Furthermore, the process has reduced calculation time from a month to a week, speeding up development time by reducing man-hours and prototyping.

The method builds on an earlier patented technology by SRI that analyses noise patterns when tire grooves come into contact with an uneven road surface.

The new, patent-pending simulation method incorporates vibrations from uneven road surfaces and changes in sound pressure levels for improved predictions.

SRI said it planned to use the technology to develop “even quieter” tires to enhance passenger comfort.