Black Donuts experts featured in Tire Technology International

Two members of the Black Donuts team were recently interviewed in Tire Technology International in a feature exploring the state of tire modeling and digital tools.

Ilkka Lehtoranta, Head of Tire & Material Development, and Kashif Rana, Senior Engineer (FEA), shared their perspectives on how simulation, machine learning, and physical testing work together in modern tire development.

The article highlights a key reality in tire R&D: while digital modeling and simulation capabilities continue to advance rapidly, physical testing remains essential, particularly for understanding aging, wear, durability, and real vehicle interaction.

Ilkka explains how digital tools help shorten development loops and reduce cost and resource use, while acknowledging that some tire properties must still be validated through real-world vehicle testing.

Kashif focuses on the role of computing power and infrastructure, noting that advances in hardware, high-performance computing, and cloud access are enabling faster, more scalable tire simulations. He also points out that tire modeling remains challenging because rubber behaves less like a linear material and more like a living one.

The feature reinforces the importance of combining simulation and testing to achieve reliable, real-world results in tire development.

Full interview: page 1, 2, 3, 4