2026 SMART PROTOTYPES SUMMIT

This work, part of an ongoing PhD program jointly developed by Pirelli and the University of Naples Federico II with its spinoff MegaRide, presents recent progress in the physical modeling of tire-road interaction under wet conditions. The work presents a Multi-scale physical model capable of describing the dynamics of the rolling tire on a water film and the resulting mechanisms of tire force generation under different water depths, vehicle speeds, and tread pattern configurations. Thermal effects are also taken into account through a previously developed physical model, providing insight into how temperature evolution and heat transfer in wet conditions affect cornering stiffness, grip and global handling response. These advancements are being integrated into Pirelli's VI-grade driving simulator and validated through dedicated experimental campaigns, including controlled aquaplaning maneuvers. The results confirm the model’s ability to accurately reproduce real tire behavior under critical wet-surface conditions, paving the way for more accurate prediction tools for wet performance and safety.