Modified Reflex-Percussive Grooves for Runways.
Abstract
Runway surface treatments, such as grooves, can minimize the danger of aircraft hydroplanning by reducing the water buildup on the runway and by facilitating forced water escape from tire-runway interface. Square saw-cut grooves of 1/4-inch size with spacing between 1 inch and 2 1/2 inches have been widely used, the former providing a higher resistance to hydroplanning. Other surface treatments that have been reported as being effective in minimizing aircraft hydroplanning include porous friction overlay and reflex-percussive grooves. The latter being offered as a cost-effective alternative to square saw-cut grooves. As the title of this report suggests, the modified reflex-percussive grooves are a derivative of reflex-percussive grooves; the cutting heads for the latter were modified to produce smoother groove edges which tend to improve water flow through the groove channels. Comparative dynamic tests showed that the braking performance of an aircraft tire on modified reflex-percussive grooves is equivalent to the performance on square saw-cut grooves spaced between 1 1/4 inches and 2 inches. Results also showed that hydroplanning was not initiated up to 150 knots speed. The lower cost of the modified grooves makes them a viable cost-competitive method; however, realistic cost estimates and full-savings potential can only be affirmed after application of these grooves in an operational environment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA143569
Entities
People
- S. K. Agrawal
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration