ASTM F2803-21

Standard Test Method for Evaluating Rim Slip Performance of Tires and Wheels

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method establishes a standard procedure of comparative testing, for driven wheel rim slip, between candidate tire group(s) and a control tire group. This test method is suitable for research and development purposes where tire and rim specimens are compared during a brief testing time period. They may not be suitable for regulatory or specification acceptance purposes because the values obtained may not necessarily agree or correlate, either in rank order or absolute value, with those obtained under other conditions (for example, different locations or different seasonal time periods on the same test course).
SCOPE
1.1 This test method is performed to determine the amount of rotational slip occurring at the tire/wheel interface while under heavy longitudinal load conditions.  
1.2 This test method is suitable for research and development purposes where tires are compared during a single series of tests. They may not be suitable for regulatory statutes or specification acceptance because the values obtained may not necessarily agree or correlate either in rank order or absolute performance level with those obtained under other environmental conditions on other surfaces or the same surface after additional use.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2021
• ICS: 43.040.50 - Transmissions, suspensions
• Technical Committee: F09 - Tires
• Drafting Committee: F09.20 - Vehicular Testing

Relations

• Refers: ASTM F538-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to the Characteristics and Performance of Tires
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2009
• Refers: ASTM F538-03 - Standard Terminology Relating to the Characteristics and Performance of Tires
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2003
• Refers: ASTM F538-99 - Standard Terminology Relating to the Characteristics and Performance of Tires
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1999

Overview

ASTM F2803-21: Standard Test Method for Evaluating Rim Slip Performance of Tires and Wheels provides a standardized method for measuring the amount of rotational slip that occurs between a tire and its rim under heavy longitudinal load conditions. Developed by ASTM International, this test method is particularly important in research and development applications, offering comparative performance data for different tire and wheel combinations. While highly effective for R&D, it is not intended for regulatory or specification acceptance due to variability under differing conditions.

Key Topics

• Rim Slip Measurement: The standard focuses on quantifying the circumferential movement of a tire bead against the rim flange during severe, traction-heavy applications, such as aggressive starts or high-load situations.
• Comparative Testing: Procedures are outlined for comparing candidate tires against reference (control) tires using consistent test settings.
• Test Apparatus & Procedure: Detailed preparation and use of test vehicles, load cells, dynamometers, calibrated instruments, and marking techniques ensure repeatability and data integrity.
• Environmental Factors: The standard highlights the influence of vehicle characteristics, pavement type, ambient conditions, and mounting methods on test outcomes.
• Reporting & Documentation: Specifies required data points for thorough reporting, including tire and rim details, test conditions, vehicle data, pressure readings, and photographic evidence.

Applications

• Tire and Wheel R&D: Tire manufacturers and wheel suppliers use ASTM F2803-21 to evaluate how different designs or materials impact rim slip under load, assisting in the optimization of tire bead geometry, rubber compounds, and rim surface finishes.
• Quality Control: Helps identify tire/rim combinations prone to excessive slip, which can affect safety and performance in heavy-duty, military, commercial, or high-performance vehicle applications.
• Comparative Performance Assessment: The test is ideal for comparing new or modified tire constructions to existing benchmarks.
• Root Cause Analysis: Offers a structured approach to investigate traction and slip-related failures, contributing to improved product safety and reliability.
• Compliance with Industry Practices: While not suitable for official regulatory compliance, the method ensures development processes align with industry-accepted testing practices.

Related Standards

• ASTM F538: Covers terminology related to tire characteristics and performance, providing essential definitions referenced in F2803-21.
• SAE J2013: Military Tire Glossary, critical for consistent vocabulary in technical documentation and testing.
• SAE J670e: Covers vehicle dynamics terminology, supporting a clear understanding of forces and motions involved in rim slip testing.

Practical Value

• Reliable Comparative Data: Enables accurate, side-by-side performance analysis of different tires and wheels under specifically controlled conditions.
• Informs Product Development: Ensures engineers can make data-driven decisions about material changes, new bead designs, or rim treatments.
• Supports Risk Mitigation: Helps manufacturers identify configurations that minimize rim slip risk, supporting safety and long-term product durability.
• Standardized Reporting: Facilitates clear communication and benchmarking within organizations or between business partners, thanks to defined data and reporting structures.

Keywords: ASTM F2803-21, rim slip performance, tire and wheel testing, bead slip, tire research, comparative testing, tire rim interface, vehicle dynamics, tire safety.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2803 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Evaluating Rim Slip Performance of Tires and Wheels
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2803; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.2 SAE Standards:
SAE J2013 Military Tire Glossary
1.1 This test method is performed to determine the amount
SAE J670e Vehicle Dynamics Terminology
of rotational slip occurring at the tire/wheel interface while
under heavy longitudinal load conditions.
3. Terminology
1.2 This test method is suitable for research and develop-
3.1 Definitions:
ment purposes where tires are compared during a single series
3.1.1 bead, n—of a tire, the part of a tire that comes in
of tests. They may not be suitable for regulatory statutes or
contact with the rim and is shaped to secure the tire to the rim.
specification acceptance because the values obtained may not
F538
necessarily agree or correlate either in rank order or absolute
3.1.2 candidate tire (set), n—a test tire (or test tire set) that
performance level with those obtained under other environ-
is part of an evaluation program; each candidate tire (set)
mental conditions on other surfaces or the same surface after
usually has certain unique design or other features that distin-
additional use.
guish it from other candidate tires (sets) in the program. F538
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
3.1.3 control tire (set), n—a reference tire (or reference set)
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
repeatedly tested in a specified sequence, typically in conjunc-
only.
tion with a candidate tire (set), throughout an evaluation
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
program.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.3.1 Discussion—Control tires (sets) are used for adjust-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ment of data sets generated from an evaluation program or the
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
statistical procedures used on data sets, or both, in order to
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
offset or reduce variation in test results. They can also be used
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
to improve the accuracy of candidate tire (set) data and to
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
detect variation in test equipment. F538
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.4 deflection, n—difference between the unloaded and
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
loaded section heights. SAE J2013
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.5 drawbar, n—device for coupling a hauling vehicle to a
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
load.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.6 dynamometer, n—machine used to measure torque and
rotational speed (rpm) from which power produced by an
2.1 ASTM Standards:
engine, motor or other rotating prime mover can be calculated.
F538 Terminology Relating to Characteristics and Perfor-
3.1.6.1 Discussion—For the purpose of this test method, a
mance of Tires
dynamometer can be any vehicle or trailer that can be towed
and produce longitudinal resistance.
3.1.7 longitudinal force [F], n—of a tire, the component of
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F09 on Tires
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F09.20 on Vehicular Testing.
the tire force vector in the X direction. F538
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2021. Published October 2021. Originally
3.1.8 longitudinal slip velocity [L/T], n—the effective roll-
approved in 2009. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as F2803 – 09 (2015).
DOI: 10.1520/F2803-21. ing radius multiplied by the difference between the spin
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr.,Warrendale,
the ASTM website. PA 15096-0001, http://www.sae.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2803 − 21
velocity (in rad/unit time) of a driven or braked tire and that of They may not be suitable for regulatory or specification
a free rolling tire when each is traveling in a straight line. F538 acceptance purposes because the values obtained may not
necessarily agree or correlate, either in rank order or absolute
3.1.9 maximum load rating [M], n—of a passenger tire, the
value,withthoseobtainedunderotherconditions(forexample,
load rating at the maximum permissible cold inflation pressure
different locations or different seasonal time periods on the
for that tire. F538
same test course).
3.1.10 paved road, n—two or more lanes, all-weather,
maintained, hard surface roads with good driving visibility
6. Interferences
used for heavy and high-density traffic, in accordance with the
6.1 The absolute values of the parameters obtained with this
U.S. Federal Highway Administration. F538
test method are dependent upon the characteristics of the
3.1.11 rim, n—the specially shaped circular periphery to
vehicle, the selected test pavement(s), and the environmental
which a tire may be mounted with appropriate bead fitment.
conditions at the test course. A change in any of these factors
F538
may change the absolute values and may also change the
relative rating of the tires and wheels so tested. It is recom-
3.1.12 rim slip, n—circumferential distance along the rim
flange between the corresponding marks. mended that all testing occur at similar conditions and in as
short a time frame as possible to reduce this variability.
3.1.13 section height [L], n—radial height of a tire section,
expressed as one half the difference between the outside
6.2 Wheel condition, lubrication, and the elapsed time from
diameteroftheunloadedtireandthenominalrimdiameter;the tire mounting may affect the results of testing. It is recom-
outside diameter is measured on a tire-wheel assembly with the
mended tires are mounted consistently, without lube if
tire inflated to rated inflation pressure. F538 possible, between tire and wheel specimens.
3.1.14 sidewall, n—of a tire, that portion of a tire between
7. Apparatus
the tread and the bead. F538
7.1 The testing apparatus shall consist of a wheeled vehicle
3.1.15 test (or testing), n—atechnicalprocedure,method,or
capable of providing consistent torque to the test wheel
guide performed on an object (or set of objects) that produces
locations, a dynamometer, load cell, calibrated speedometer,
data; the data is used to evaluate or model properties or
and tire/wheel specimens. The test course shall be a smooth,
characteristics of the object (or set of objects). F538
less than 2 % grade, dry pavement surface. The surface and
3.1.16 test tire (set), n—one or more tires, as required by the
ambient temperature must be above 0°C (32°F).
test equipment or procedure to perform a test, producing a
8. Reagents and Materials
single test result; the tires within a test tire set are usually
nominally identical. F538
8.1 This test method requires a paint pen or equivalent
device capable of marking tires and rim surfaces.
3.1.17 torque [FL], n—of a wheel, the external torque
applied to a tire from a vehicle about the wheel spin axis. F538
9. Hazards
3.1.18 tractive effort, n—total force output of the traction
9.1 The towing vehicle shall be secured with a load cell and
device acting parallel to the surface of the ground and in the
a cable/drawbar that is suitable to provide safety for testing
direction of travel of a driving wheel.
personnel.
3.1.18.1 Discussion—Tractive effort is expressed as a ratio
of load to vehicle weight. SAE J2013
10. Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units
10.1 The speed and drawbar load data shall be acquired at a
4. Summary of Test Method
minimum of 10 Hz. The speed data shall be accurate to 61
4.1 This test method is used to quantify the amount a driven
km/h (0.6 mph). The drawbar load cell shall be accurate to
tire rotates relative to a rim under severe conditions. This
within 2 % for the maximum reading.
method is designed to produce the greatest amount of rim slip
10.2 Priortotesting,thetiresandwheelsshallbemarkedon
in the shortest amount of time using a test vehicle that is
the side facing away from the test vehicle. Two lines shall be
capable of 60 % tracti
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F2803 − 09 (Reapproved 2015) F2803 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Evaluating Rim Slip Performance of Tires and Wheels
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2803; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method is performed to determine the amount of rotational slip occurring at the tire/wheel interface while under heavy
longitudinal load conditions.
1.2 This test method is suitable for research and development purposes where tires are compared during a single series of tests.
They may not be suitable for regulatory statutes or specification acceptance because the values obtained may not necessarily agree
or correlate either in rank order or absolute performance level with those obtained under other environmental conditions on other
surfaces or the same surface after additional use.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F538 Terminology Relating to Characteristics and Performance of Tires
2.2 SAE Standards:
SAE J2013 Military Tire Glossary
SAE J670e Vehicle Dynamics Terminology
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 bead, n—of a tire, the part of a tire that comes in contact with the rim and is shaped to secure the tire to the rim. F538
3.1.2 candidate tire, tire (set), n—a test tire (or test tire set) that is part of a test an evaluation program; each candidate tire (set)
usually has certain unique design or other features that distinguish it from other candidate tires (sets) in the program. F538
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F09 on Tires and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F09.20 on Vehicular Testing.
Current edition approved May 1, 2015Sept. 1, 2021. Published June 2015October 2021. Originally approved in 2009. Last previous edition approved in 20092015 as
F2803 – 09.F2803 – 09 (2015). DOI: 10.1520/F2803-09R15.10.1520/F2803-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096-0001, http://www.sae.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2803 − 21
3.1.3 control tire, tire (set), n—a reference tire used (or reference set) repeatedly tested in a specified manner throughout a
testsequence, typically in conjunction with a candidate tire (set), throughout an evaluation program.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—
Control tires (sets) are used for adjustment of data sets generated from an evaluation program or the statistical procedures used
on data sets, or both, in order to offset or reduce variation in test results. They can also be used to improve the accuracy of candidate
tire (set) data and to detect variation in test equipment. F538
3.1.4 deflection, n—difference between the unloaded and loaded section heights. SAE J2013
3.1.5 drawbar, n—device for coupling a hauling vehicle to a load.
3.1.6 dynamometer, n—machine used to measure torque and rotational speed (rpm) from which power produced by an engine,
motor or other rotating prime mover can be calculated.
3.1.6.1 Discussion—
For the purpose of this test method, a dynamometer can be any vehicle or trailer that can be towed and produce longitudinal
resistance.
3.1.7 longitudinal force, force [F], n—of a tire, the component of the tire force vector in the X direction. F538
3.1.8 longitudinal slip velocity [L/T], n—the effective rolling radius multiplied by the difference between the spin velocity (in
rad/unit time) of a driven or braked tire and that of a free rolling tire when each is traveling in a straight line. F538
3.1.9 maximum load rating [M], n—of a passenger tire, the load rating at the maximum permissible cold inflation pressure for
that tire. F538
3.1.10 paved road, n—two or more lanes, all weather, all-weather, maintained, hard surface roads with good driving visibility used
for heavy and high-density traffic, in accordance with the U.S. Federal Highway Administration. F538
3.1.11 rim, n—the specially shaped circular periphery to which a tire may be mounted with appropriate bead fitment. F538
3.1.12 rim slip, n—circumferential distance along the rim flange between the corresponding marks.
3.1.13 section height, height [L], n—radial height of a tire section, expressed as one half the difference between the outside
diameter of the unloaded tire and the nominal rim diameter; the outside diameter is measured on a tire-wheel assembly with the
tire inflated to rated inflation pressure. F538
3.1.14 sidewall, n—of a tire, that portion of a tire between the tread and the bead. F538
3.1.15 test, test (or testing), n—technical procedure a technical procedure, method, or guide performed on an object (or set of
objects) using specified equipment, that produces data, which are data; the data is used to evaluate or model selected properties
or characteristics of the object (or set of objects). F538
3.1.16 test tire, tire (set), n—tire used in a test.one or more tires, as required by the test equipment or procedure to perform a test,
producing a single test result; the tires within a test tire set are usually nominally identical. F538
3.1.17 torque [FL], n—of a wheel, the external torque applied to a tire from a vehicle about the wheel spin axis. F538
3.1.18 tractive effort, n—total force output of the traction device acting parallel to the surface of the ground and in the direction
of travel of a driving wheel.
3.1.18.1 Discussion—
Tractive effort is expressed as a ratio of load to vehicle weight. SAE J2013
F2803 − 21
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method is used to quantify the amount a driven tire rotates relative to a rim under severe conditions. This method
is designed to produce the greatest amount of rim slip in the shortest amount of time using a test vehicle that is capable of 60 %
tractive effort. The 60 % tractive effort is a target from military requirements but can be adjusted to fit a commercial application.
This test method can be modified to accommodate different objectives including longer distances or various drawbar loads. Test
tire results are compared to a control tire to evaluate the relative change in performance and to negate affects from environmental
conditions.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method establishes a standard procedure of comparative testing, for driven wheel rim slip, between candidate tire
group(s) and a control tire group. This test method is suitable for research and development purposes where tire and rim specimens
are compared during a brief testing time period. They may not be suitable for regulatory or specification acceptance purposes
because the values obtained may not necessarily agree or correlate, either in rank order or absolute value, with those obtained under
other conditions (for example, different locations or different seasonal time periods on the same test course).
6. Interferences
6.1 The absolute values of the parameters obtained with this test method are dependent upon the characteristics of the vehicle, the
selected test pavement(s), and the environmental conditions at the test course. A change in any of these factors may change the
absolute values and may also change the relative rating of the tires and wheels so tested. It is recommended that all testing occur
at similar conditions and in as short a time frame as possible to reduce this variability.
6.2 Wheel condition, lubrication, and the elapsed time from tire mounting may affect the results of testing. It is recommended tires
are mounted consistently, without lube if possible, between tire and wheel specimens.
7. Apparatus
7.1 The testing apparatus shall consist of a wheeled vehicle capable of providing consistent torque to the test wheel locations, a
dynamometer, load cell
...