Research Organization for Next Generation VehiclesWaseda University

Research and Development Toward the Creation of a Next-Generation Mobility Platform for Enhanced Safety and Environmental Performance

This project focuses on the tire–road contact interface as the primary subject and promotes research centered on the following four areas:

1. Sensing Technology Research

Using load cells and advanced sensing technologies embedded within the tire and at the contact interface, this study aims to:

• Accurately estimate contact forces, friction forces, and stiffness characteristics during driving
• Elucidate the mechanisms of force generation by correlating these measurements with actual contact conditions

Ultimately, the goal is to apply these findings to the development of smart tires.

2. Interfacial Mechanics Research

By utilizing synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (CT), this research will:

• Visualize the real contact state between tire rubber and asphalt
• Capture internal deformation under loading in three dimensions

In addition, it will:

• Quantify contact area and road surface deformation
• Investigate friction and wear mechanisms

These efforts aim to deepen the understanding of interfacial phenomena that have traditionally been treated as a “black box.”

3. Vibration and Noise Research

With state-of-the-art measurement techniques such as hot-wire anemometry and ultra-small microphones, this study will:

• Simultaneously measure the airflow field near the tire surface and the radiated sound
• Clarify the relationship between contact patterns, tread deformation, and noise generation

Special emphasis is placed on elucidating the mechanisms of aerodynamically induced noise, which is increasingly important in the EV era.

4. Integrated Modeling Research (Multi-Physics Modeling of Tire–Road Interactions)

Based on contact theories (e.g., Greenwood–Williamson and Persson models) and tire models, this research will:

• Develop physics-based models integrating experimental data
• Construct data-driven models

These models will enable:

• Prediction of coupled behaviors among forces, structures, and fluid dynamics at the interface
• Application to design and optimization

Director

MATSUBARA, Masami　Associate Professor, School of Creative Science and Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering

Researchers

• KUSAKA, Jin　Professor, Graduate School of Environment and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering
• MATSUBARA, Masami　Associate Professor, School of Creative Science and Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering
• TAKIZAWA, Kenji　Professor, School of Creative Science and Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering
• UMEZU, Shinjiro　Professor, School of Creative Science and Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering

MATSUBARA Laboratory

3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, 169-8555
Room 309, Bldg. 59, Waseda University
TEL: 03-5843-6953 (Direct)