NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 16,
2000) – Dr. Sanjay Govindjee,
the independent expert brought in by Bridgestone/Firestone
to assess the root cause of the small percentage of tire problems
on Ford Explorers, has sent his initial status report to the
company. According to his letter, he is presently focusing
his research on inter-belt materials and how they fatigue.
“This initial report provides
a preliminary assessment of my work and indicates my present
focus. The issue involves a complex interaction of ATX and
Wilderness AT tire design, manufacturability, and loading
conditions by the Explorer. Additional data is necessary
to reach any meaningful conclusions about these tires’
performance,” said Dr. Govindjee. A preliminary technical
report of his findings is expected in the next few weeks,
with a final report targeted for the beginning of next year.
Bridgestone/Firestone has provided
and will continue to provide Dr. Govindjee with any and all
documentation necessary to conduct the analysis including
visits to any plant, testing center or other facility in the
company’s network. Since he began his investigation
on September 20, he has already visited a number of these
facilities, and is scheduled to visit more as his research
continues. In addition, Bridgestone/Firestone will share
his findings with the public.
Dr. Govindjee is a professor in the
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University
of California at Berkeley, and specializes in the strength
of various materials, including the elastomers and metals
used in tires. He holds degrees in mechanical engineering
from MIT and Stanford.
