Dependence of ground pressure on internal pressure in winter tires Triangle Snowlink size 225/55 R18

In the course of studying the influence of internal tire pressure in M1 category vehicles on their interaction with the supporting surface, it was established that no in-depth research has yet been conducted for modern tire sizes. Considering the relevance of this issue for improving the off-road performance of general-purpose vehicles when driving on rough terrain, a corresponding experimental study was initiated. This study investigates the relationship between the internal pressure of Triangle Snowlink winter tires in size 225/55 R18 and the pressure exerted on the supporting surface by the vehicle. Optimizing tire pressure is crucial for increasing vehicle mobility, reducing the load on the road infrastructure, and improving handling, especially when driving on soft or uneven surfaces (such as sand, snow, or mud). The research also considers methods for influencing the pressure exerted by the vehicle on the supporting surface and proposes practical measures aimed at improving off-road performance. The main goal of the study was to determine the nature of the dependence between changes in internal tire pressure and the corresponding changes on the supporting surface pressure. The field experiments were conducted according to a defined methodology using an M1 category vehicle with improved off-road capabilities — the Opel Grandland 1.5 BHDi. The tests were performed on a flat concrete surface using winter tires Triangle Snowlink size 225/55 R18. The experimental results demonstrated that reducing tire pressure from 2.2 atm to 1.5 atm leads to a decrease in ground pressure from 1.39 to 1.07 kg/cm². This indicates a potential improvement in the vehicle’s off-road capability. The study analyzed the mechanism by which vehicle mass and tire contact area influence on the supporting surface. An almost inverse proportional relationship was observed between internal tire pressure and the supporting surface. The paper presents graphical and analytical dependencies that justify the feasibility of reducing tire pressure when operating vehicles under difficult road conditions. The findings may be useful in the design of wheeled vehicles and in their practical use in off-road environments.