Objective:

The objectives of this study will be systematically investigate and rationalize the conjoint influence of tire inflation and loads on stress and mechanical response of automobile rims.

Research Approach / Work Plan

Current automobile rims are designed for conventional air-supporting tires having standard inflation. The recent introduction of a wide range of run flat tires, which have stiffer side walls and bead areas, are capable of running / operating at inflation pressures approaching and equal to zero. This has necessitated the need to conduct a stress analysis of the automobile rim under various load conditions. Besides, it is also essential to explore options of providing a opening in the rim, other than those openings provided for the valve, to facilitate the mounting of a pressure sensor devices. Through a combination of carefully orchestrated and monitored experimental tests and analytical studies, the size, shape and precise location of the opening will be determined. The influence of cyclic loading and aggressiveness of the environment (corrosion and/or degradation) on the geometry and overall efficiency of the opening will also be determined.

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