Technical Paper
Optimized Drive Axle Design for Class 8 Tractors Equipped with New Generation Wide Base Single Tires
2009-10-06
2009-01-2861
Manufacturers of components for heavy trucks continually seek opportunities to reduce vehicle weight and improve operating efficiency. In recent years, new generation wide-base single (NGWBS) tires, such as the Michelin XOne®, have provided weight reductions from 70 to over 120 kg per axle and improved fuel economy when compared to standard dual tire fitments. The NGWBS tire was designed as a “bolt-on” technology that can be put directly into commercial service on existing vehicles. As an enabling technology, NGWBS tires offer even greater improvements in overall vehicle weight reduction, safety, and fuel economy by permitting adaptation of axle and suspension architecture to take advantage of the single tire geometry and operating characteristics. This paper details the development of a new heavy truck drive axle design which is specifically optimized for use with NGWBS tires.