Abstract:
An attempt is made to estimate pressure distribution, tyre deflection and lift on a fully aquaplaning smooth tyre assuming an idealised non-viscous flow in front of the tyre followed by Stokes flow under the tyre. The problem is reduced to solving two coupled partial differential equations, namely Rayleigh's lubrication equation for the water and the membrane equation for the tyre. It appears that viscosity is not important except for the no-slip condition it implies. The conclusion is reached that it will be essential to solve a three-dimensional free stream surface problem in order to make further progress.
