Abstract
The fluctuations in the vertical force applied to the road surface by the rear wheel of a two-axle heavy goods vehicle fitted with undamped multi-leaf springs have been measured on a variety of pavements. A range of tyre stiffness, static wheel load and vehicle speed was considered. Increased tyre stiffness and vehicle speed each led to an increase in dynamic force. Increased static wheel load resulted in an increase in dynamic force but a reduction in impact factor. The force fluctuations had a near normal statistical distribution. The forces were determined by measuring the corresponding changes in tyre deflection using an optical contactless sensor. (Author/publisher)