In order to provide data on the rolling resistance of aircraft wheels in dry, loose snow the National Swedish Road and Traffic Research Institute has carried out measurements using an aircraft tire and an ASTM-tire. A total of 180 test runs were made under 25 different conditions. Snow density during the tests varied between 30 and 130 kg/cu m, with snow depths up to 10 cm and velocities between 50 and 80 km/h. The test results have previously been presented. In order to be able to predict the rolling resistance as function of aircraft speed, static wheel load, snow density and snow depth, with the presented measurements as base, a complementary theoretical predictive model was found to be necessary. This report therefore presents a theoretical model describing the aircraft rolling resistance in loose, dry snow. Finally, after comparing theory and practical measurements, a formula for the determination of the rolling resistance as function of aircraft and snow parameters is suggested.
Abstract