CenTiRe Funded Research Project "Snow Measurements and Characterization for Traction Prediction" Successfully Completed

We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of the CenTiRe-funded research project titled "Snow Measurements and Characterization for Traction Prediction."  

This groundbreaking project, which aimed to enhance our understanding of snow properties and their impact on traction, has yielded significant findings that promise to revolutionize winter mobility and safety.

Project Overview

The primary objective of the "Snow Measurements and Characterization for Traction Prediction" project was to develop a comprehensive understanding of the physical properties of snow and how these properties influence traction performance. By developing a new measurement technique to aid in predictive modeling, the research team sought to provide valuable insights that can be applied in various industries, including automotive, transportation, and public safety.

Key Achievements

1. Design and fabrication of a new instrument: to measure specific snow mechanical properties, such yield stress, strength, and pressure-sinkage rates.
2. Data collection: Includes snow properties (physical & mechanical) and the performance tire metrics which will be used for development & validation of new snow analytical models.
3. Traction performance analysis: By conducting extensive field tests and laboratory experiments, the team analyzed the relationship between snow properties and traction performance.

Future Implications

The successful completion of the "Snow Measurements and Characterization for Traction Prediction" project marks a significant milestone in winter mobility research. The findings from this project will influence an ongoing research project titled “Characterization and Modeling of Different Snow Attributes for Tire Performance Simulation”, which is being led by the same faculty principal investigators

Acknowledgements

We extend our gratitude to our industry members for their generous funding and support throughout this project. We also thank our industry mentors for their collaboration and invaluable contributions. Lastly, we acknowledge the dedication and hard work of the research team, whose expertise and commitment were instrumental in the project's success.  They include Virginia Tech faculty Principal Investigators Dr. Corina Sandu and Dr. Costin Untaroiu, as well as student researcher Mohit Shenvi.  We also congratulate Dr. Shenvi on attaining his Ph.D. degree from Virginia Tech based on his outstanding research on this project.  Well Done, Doctor!  

As we celebrate the completion of this project, we look forward to the continued application of its findings in making winter travel safer and more efficient. Stay tuned for further updates and publications detailing the project's outcomes and future endeavors.