February 2025 - The Tribology of Tires

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In this month's episode I sit down with Anurag Warhadpande from Bridgestone Americas.   This podcast explores the critical role of tribology in tire performance, highlighting how factors like traction, wear, and noise are influenced by the tire-road interaction.  Anurag discusses the science behind tire friction, including the mu-slip curve and road texture effects, as well as how wear mechanisms align with Archard’s Wear Law. The conversation also delves into the evolving needs of tires for electric vehicles, the rise of smart tire technology, and sustainability efforts such as bio-based materials and recycling innovations. Looking ahead, we examine future opportunities in tire development, including AI and IoT advancements, while debunking common misconceptions about tires. 

Our guest:
Anurag Warhadpande holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University and brings over 12 years of expertise from his tenure at Bridgestone Tire Company. A recognized specialist in tribology, his doctoral research focused on bearings tribology, providing a strong foundation for his subsequent work in tire tribology. At Bridgestone, he has leveraged this expertise to drive innovation in tire technology. A former member of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE), Anurag is deeply committed to advancing the field through cutting-edge research and practical applications.

For more information on STLE, please visit https://www.stle.org/ If you have an idea for our podcast, or interested in being a guest, please Email STLE Director of Professional Development Robert Morowczynski at [e-mail] . Also, we love your feedback, please take a minute to provide us with your thoughts at Perfecting Motion Podcast Feedback.