The work is carried out in cooperation with an industrial partner.
This thesis activity is aimed at the study and experimental validation of smart tires based on strain-gauge technology for the direct measurement of structural deformations, as an alternative or complement to other technologies like accelerometers. The work includes the integration of large-deformation strain gauges on the tire inner liner and the execution of experimental testing campaigns on an MTS test rig under controlled conditions. A systematic analysis will be conducted to investigate the effects of sensor positioning and number, as well as the sensitivity of the system to contact forces and working angles (slip angle and camber). The activity will involve advanced signal processing and the development of estimation algorithms for the reconstruction of the relevant dynamic parameters, with particular focus on low-speed operation. The main objective is to provide a quantitative assessment of the performance, limitations, and robustness of the strain-gauge-based solution, also in comparison with current technologies. The expected outcomes may support the development of smart tires for industrial applications in vehicle dynamics, ADAS systems, and vehicle control, potentially improving the accuracy of contact force and characteristic angle estimation.