How Do Automobile Tires Differ From Airplane Tires?
Rubber-based tires have been developed since Robert William Thompson patented the pneumatic tire in 1846. They have come to be fitted to all manner of vehicles from remote control cars to the lunar rover. Specific types of tire have been developed for use on automobiles and aircraft with several key design differences.
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History
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Charles Goodyear discovered a method for vulcanising rubber In 1843 after years of experiments. Vulcanisation is a process whereby liquid rubber is hardened after being treated with sulphur at high temperatures allowing it to be shaped and inflated for use in transportation. The first person to create a workable example of a rubber tire was John Boyd Dunlop who fitted them to his son's bicycle when he complained of headaches after riding over hard ground. His attempt at patenting the design was thwarted by Robert William Thompson who had produced drawings of a rubber tire (without actually building one) in 1846. The tire industry began to find its market with the development of the automobile in the early 20th century; the industries grew in tandem, and as of 2010, over 1 billion tires are produced annually.
Automobile Tires
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André Michelin introduced the first automobile tire in 1895 for use in the French Paris-Bordeaux rally. Developments such as the industry standard Schrader valve for inflating tires and the first grooved tires for improved road traction were introduced in the ensuing 15 years. Today's automobile tires comprise an inner tube surrounded by a metal mesh which is covered by the rubber tread of the tire.
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Airline Tires
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The first pneumatic airline tires were introduced In 1906 as a result of their successful application to automobiles. Today's airline tires are designed to withstand extremely heavy loads for short duration. Aircraft tires have treads specifically designed to increase control in high-winds, as well as to channel away water to prevent hydroplaning.
Key Differences
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Airline tires are filled with nitrogen or helium for minimal expansion and contraction during the changes in temperature at ground level to cruising altitude. Automobile tyres are filled with air.
Airline tires are designed for short, heavy use while automobile tires are designed for longer, lighter use.
Airline tires contain "heat-fuses" which are designed to melt at a certain temperature. Airline tires often overheat if maximum braking is applied during an aborted take-off or emergency landing. These fuses melt and allow the tire to deflate in a controlled manner instead of bursting and causing further damage to the airliner. Automobile tires do not have this feature.
Other Tire Applications
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Tires have been adapted and designed for use on specialized vehicles as well. Racing car tires are highly specialized for the particular style of racing, the circuit and the weather conditions. For example, Formula One tires are broader and designed for frequent change, while NASCAR tires are narrower and more like regular automobile tires.
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References
- Photo Credit tires 2 image by Pontus Edenberg from Fotolia.com
