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Superelastic Tire: A viable alternative to the pneumatic tire


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#1 ri-f

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Posted 17 May 2021 - 07:14 PM

https://technology.n...ent/LEW-TOPS-99

Eventually, the issue of airing up/down, blowing a bead, punctures, correct psi and all the rest of this endless, circular argument willl be ancient history.

 

 

GRCimage_LEW-TOPS-99_Mars-SMA-Spring-Tir

 

Go Mars rover!

 

 

 

 

 

 


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- 2001 Cummins 2500 quad cab 4x4 turbo diesel; NV4500 5-spd manual transmission; CM aluminum flatbed, '20 FWC Hawk shell - hybrid buildout.  https://ian-frese-of...r.blogspot.com/

- 2004 Jeep TJ - Rubicon

 

 

 


#2 Casa Escarlata Robles Too

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Posted 17 May 2021 - 07:57 PM

That's a very cool designed tire.Now if we all had the NASA budget

to pay for that tire.

Frank


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#3 ri-f

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Posted 17 May 2021 - 08:29 PM

NASA and military research tech trickles down to us eventually, sometimes sooner than you'd think. I don't think you'll be seeing this at Discount Tire anytime soon, so carry a spare.

That's a very cool designed tire.Now if we all had the NASA budget
to pay for that tire.
Frank


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- 2001 Cummins 2500 quad cab 4x4 turbo diesel; NV4500 5-spd manual transmission; CM aluminum flatbed, '20 FWC Hawk shell - hybrid buildout.  https://ian-frese-of...r.blogspot.com/

- 2004 Jeep TJ - Rubicon

 

 

 


#4 Mighty Dodge Ram

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Posted 18 May 2021 - 02:40 PM

I like the beadlocks but would prefer an anthracite colored wheel for my forays to the mall. 😎


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Richard
1996 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4, lightly lifted, ARB bumper/Warn winch, BFG AT/KO2, Snugtop shell. SOLD! But not forgotten!
2002 Chevy 2500HD XC LB 6.0L 4X4, Leer Hi-Rise shell, completely stock...for now!

#5 rubberlegs

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Posted 18 May 2021 - 03:28 PM

Can you change the spring rate when you remove your camper?
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#6 dr.tucson

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Posted 18 May 2021 - 04:03 PM

I can remember when studded tires were introduced for snow and ice in the mid-west.  All the traffic lanes on the intercity freeways lost 1/4" - 1/2" of surface in the first couple years.  Studded tires were quickly outlawed.  There is no free lunch.


Edited by dr.tucson, 23 May 2021 - 05:18 PM.

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#7 JaSAn

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Posted 18 May 2021 - 04:06 PM

Two important issues that were not mentioned:  rolling resistance and wear.

 

Rolling resistance has always been the bugaboo of airless tires = increased fuel consumption.

Tires have always been a sacrificial component in automobiles: the tires wear out so the roadway doesn't.

 

Add to that the above mentioned 'spring rate' change: the ability to modify the tire for changing loads and terrain (i.e. changing the tire spring rate or increasing the contact patch for more flotation).


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#8 Mighty Dodge Ram

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Posted 18 May 2021 - 04:10 PM

Despite my previous feeble attempt at comedy, I’m happy to see (again) the future crossover from space exploration to everyday life. As a kid of the 50s/60s, there were so many advancements made and many wow factors. I think we take so much for granted today. 


Edited by Mighty Dodge Ram, 18 May 2021 - 04:11 PM.

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Richard
1996 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4, lightly lifted, ARB bumper/Warn winch, BFG AT/KO2, Snugtop shell. SOLD! But not forgotten!
2002 Chevy 2500HD XC LB 6.0L 4X4, Leer Hi-Rise shell, completely stock...for now!

#9 ri-f

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Posted 18 May 2021 - 05:26 PM

I like the beadlocks but would prefer an anthracite colored wheel for my forays to the mall.

 

Well OK, your wish is my command:

 

LEW-18729-1_Spring_Tire_on_rock_1388x105


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- 2001 Cummins 2500 quad cab 4x4 turbo diesel; NV4500 5-spd manual transmission; CM aluminum flatbed, '20 FWC Hawk shell - hybrid buildout.  https://ian-frese-of...r.blogspot.com/

- 2004 Jeep TJ - Rubicon

 

 

 


#10 ri-f

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Posted 18 May 2021 - 05:53 PM

Two important issues that were not mentioned:  rolling resistance and wear.

 

Rolling resistance has always been the bugaboo of airless tires = increased fuel consumption.

Tires have always been a sacrificial component in automobiles: the tires wear out so the roadway doesn't.

 

Add to that the above mentioned 'spring rate' change: the ability to modify the tire for changing loads and terrain (i.e. changing the tire spring rate or increasing the contact patch for more flotation).


Well, we're talking about Mars here. Eventually this tech will trickle down to us mortals on Earth. But the alloys that NASA is experimenting with do allow for the control of tire stiffness and load bearing, which means they could be adjusted for use on different types of terrains. Perhaps that will happen on the fly eventually. But keep in mind that these tires were developed for rovers to be used on missions to the moon and Mars, which have specific terrain and gravity.  Here on Earth, at this point in the tire's development, off-road vechicles could benefit from a safe, puncture proof tire that could be driven at higher speeds over sharp rocks, potholes, and severe washboard roads at the ideal wavelength, oscillation frequency. When these tires are eventually produced for our on-road vechicles, no doubt they will be capable of adjustments for non-destructive traction and comfort. Probably not any time real soon thoiugh. And of course, just as they are refined and made available for public consumption, we will be seeing the first generation of vechicles that hover and need no wheels and probably will require no fossil fuels. Rich

 


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- 2001 Cummins 2500 quad cab 4x4 turbo diesel; NV4500 5-spd manual transmission; CM aluminum flatbed, '20 FWC Hawk shell - hybrid buildout.  https://ian-frese-of...r.blogspot.com/

- 2004 Jeep TJ - Rubicon

 

 

 





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