60 Second Spotlight on Mike Blundell, Coventry University
Ahead of the Tyre Testing & Modelling Seminar at HORIBA MIRA on 20 March, we caught up with Mike Blundell to hear his thoughts on the topic.
Briefly explain your current role.
Professor of Vehicle Dynamics and Safety at Coventry University, Semi-retired working two days a week. Involved in research and PhD supervision.
Why do you believe tyre modelling is critical for automotive innovation today?
This has been important for many years. Automotive vehicles are amongst the most complex of engineering products today. The tyre is a critical component. For a car, all of the forces which dictate the safe control and trajectory of the vehicle are generated by four small contact patches between the tyre and the road. Each patch is about the size of a human hand. Understanding and accurately predicting these forces is essential for vehicle design studies.
What is the most exciting development or trend in your area of tyre research or testing?
Developing novel active safety systems to support the tyre in serious situations such as aquaplaning.
What do you see as the biggest challenge in tyre modelling and simulation?
Possibly modelling the tyre as a sensor communicating road friction to self-driving algorithms in autonomous vehicles.
How do you see tyre modelling evolving over the next 10 years?
Faster and more efficient physical models. Possibly investigations into AI and Machine Learning as part of the tyre design/simulation area.
How important is collaboration between academia and industry in advancing tyre technology?
It is essential to exploit industry knowledge and facilities. Academia can provide a dedicated research environment through PhD students and post-docs. Most research funding requires these collaborations to ensure industry significant outputs.