Measurement of the dynamic normal pressure between tire and ground using PVDF piezoelectric films

In this paper, an application of piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films is presented, for the evaluation of the dynamic normal pressure exchanged between the ground and the tire of a moving car, A low-cost 2 x 2 prototype matrix made of PVDF films has been dynamically characterized and its measurement uncertainty was evidenced. The sensorized platform was eventually inserted in a typical asphalt road and proved in the real conditions. The goal of this research will be the realization of a higher dimension matrix of sensing elements in order to measure the distribution of the pressure under the pneumatic tire in operating conditions. The research activity has been started to develop new techniques, together with the dynamic measurement of the tire crushing using a triangulation laser sensor, for contributing to the trim of a racing F3 car.