Airless tires: Structural concepts, mechanical design, and application prospects

The emergence of airless, or non-pneumatic, tires as a modern alternative to pneumatic tires is a relatively recent area of research in the transportation field. In this paper, we examine the advantages driving the development of non-pneumatic tires, along with the challenges currently hindering the...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Harri Hankin, Jessica Gagen, William Peters, Aimee Crann, Yao Chen, Samer Fares, Pooya Sareh
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-05-01
Series:Materials & Design
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264127525003533
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The emergence of airless, or non-pneumatic, tires as a modern alternative to pneumatic tires is a relatively recent area of research in the transportation field. In this paper, we examine the advantages driving the development of non-pneumatic tires, along with the challenges currently hindering their widespread adoption. We will then establish a common structure for the modern non-pneumatic tire, dividing it into its key components. The conventional purpose, desirable characteristics, and impact of each component on overall tire performance will be derived from the literature, and the merits of recent developments in this field will be critically evaluated where appropriate. The discussion will primarily focus on the elastic support structure, the component that directly replaces air and has been the focal point of most research. The paper will conclude by consolidating the progress of each component, discussing their influence on the prospects of non-pneumatic tires, especially in new applications, and identifying areas for further research.
ISSN:0264-1275