60 Second Spotlight on Jan Prins, Jaguar Land Rover
Ahead of the Tyre Testing & Modelling Seminar taking place on 20 March at HORIBA-MIRA we caught up with Jan Prins to hear his thoughts on the topic.
Please briefly explain your current role.
I work for JLR, where I lead a team of 6 that’s responsible for delivering wheel and tyre models for dynamic simulations, in order to facilitate virtual vehicle and tyre development.
Why do you believe tyre modelling is critical for automotive innovation today?
Tyres play a pivotal role (no pun intended) in virtual vehicle development, since they are the only interface between the vehicle and the road surface. And Virtual Development is key to delivering more vehicles, more quickly and more efficiently (including from an environmental impact point of view).
What is the most exciting development or trend in your area of tyre research or testing?
We have a unique approach to tyre testing, using a vehicle-based rig (called VBOTT). Our current rig is over 10 years old, but we are due to bring on-stream a rig that has been specifically designed for tyre testing. It will be very exciting to commission this rig during this year.
What do you see as the biggest challenge in tyre modelling and simulation?
The biggest challenge is modelling tyres without having to make samples, then test those and only then model them, but instead using virtual methods. This means creating tyre models from ‘first principles’, i.e. based on what materials and construction is planned to be used to make a tyre.
Another huge challenge is the ‘holy grail’ of a tyre model that can be used for every type of simulation. Currently different types of models tend to be required for different purposes (e.g. handling, ride, loads, NVH, off-road, etc.)
There has been talk for some years about updating or replacing the .tdx tyre test data file format. This initiative seems to have stalled unfortunately. Although I am now part of a working group within the BSI and ISO, that is developing a standard for tyre testing and modelling. It’s possible that this may extend or lead to a new tyre test data file format as well, in due course, it is quite a slow process.
How do you see tyre modelling evolving over the next 10 years?
More tyre modelling from first principles, i.e. without making tyre samples.
Automation of the parameter identification processes, when creating models is very laborious at the moment, with repeatability and reproducibility a real challenge.
Use of ‘big data’, data ‘mining’, and artificial intelligence, i.e. looking for trends based on existing tyres and models, and develop predictive capabilities based on those, so that models of similar tyres can be created without making and testing them.
How does sustainability influence your work or research in tyre testing and modelling?
We are of course conscious of the environmental impact of testing and modelling tyres. By developing vehicles and tyre models via virtual means, the impact of testing vehicles or tyres, with all the environmental consequences this has, can be reduced. Fewer prototype vehicles and tyres will be needed and fewer tests carried out all around the world, with less travel required by engineers and shipping of prototypes etc.
How important is collaboration between academia and industry in advancing tyre technology?
I believe this is very important! JLR works closely together with many universities. Even just on Tyre Modelling my Team at JLR has carried out several projects already with the likes of Loughborough, Coventry, Cranfield and Surrey Universities, over the last 10+ years. We are about to embark on another PhD project with Loughborough later this year, and we may be open to extend the collaboration on this project with other interested parties.
I am a real advocate of collaboration in general, and I think it’s sad that there is so much secrecy in the field of tyre modelling and testing. I fear that there is a risk of duplication of efforts. I’m sure various car and tyre companies or universities are doing similar work in isolation (if not secret), without collaborating. If everyone worked together then we could build on each other’s work and make more progress more quickly.
I have previously supported initiatives such as OpenTire, and have helped organise the 2015 Tyre Modelling Colloquium in collaboration with Surrey University and the IAVSD. I have also tried to initiate a follow up to this, which is due to lead to the next Tyre Modelling Colloquium to be held in 2026.