Experimental research of run flat tire thermal load
A pneumatic tire wheel equipped with a run flat unit is one of the most effective systems designed to prevent accidents after an instant depressurization, as well as to keep the mobility of the vehicle in order to move to a parking lot or repair station. Such designs are demanded in military vehicles, where a probability of tire destruction by bullets or shrapnel exists. This problem drastically reduces the mobility of Tactical Wheeled Vehicles. Sustained movement with a damaged tire equipped with a run flat system while maintaining such characteristics as speed, controllability and passability is impossible due to a number of factors leading to the destruction of the tire and the run flat system. At present, the number of experiments aimed at determining the level of influence of various factors on the destruction of the wheel is insufficient. There is no theory that can predict durability of the structure. In this study, an experimental assessment of thermal load of tire equipped with a run flat system working in master rolling mode is made. Tests were conducted until the destruction of one run flat system on «Ansyr» - prototype of special armored assault vehicle with full weight of 4 tons. Determination of temperature field of the tire and run flat system was made. The study evaluated durability of the given run flat and tire system. According to the test results it can be concluded that the most loaded element of the tire is the sidewall, which experiences the maximum temperature due to the intense deformations. The analysis of the data leads to the conclusion about the run flat wheel loading in master rolling mode. The results can be used to improve the design of run flat systems.