Design, properties, and applications of non-pneumatic tires: A review

Abstract

The interest in airless or non-pneumatic tire (NPT) structures emerges due to potential performance and environmental advantages, such as reduced rolling resistance and improved recyclability, when compared with traditional rubber-based pneumatic tires. NPTs can already be found in commercial applications such as forklifts, electric scooters, and wheelchairs. Even so, up to the knowledge of authors, there is no known established large-scale production of NPTs for most applications. This work presents a systematic literature review regarding the mechanical design and development of NPTs. A summary of structural characteristics and mechanical behaviour analysis is provided. Relevant standards, analysis strategies, materials, production techniques, and the end-of-life of tires are addressed. In the end, the authors debate the current challenges and prospects of these emergent products. Furthermore, this research aims at being used as a tool, potentiating the development of innovative and efficient, airless tire solutions. The review presented clarifies that many academic efforts are focused on finding optimal functional designs, which are frequently complex and physically demanding. These geometrically complex design proposals are, in most cases, composed of intricate cellular structures and spokes arrangements. Based on the current lack of knowledge, authors identify key research areas to be further developed such as the production, performance, and reliability of NPTs. It is debatable whether there will ever be a shortcoming of the rubber tire, or a time when fully recyclable tires are a societal obligation. Nevertheless, the number of reasons to promote the development of a reliable replacement to the traditional tire is far from scarce.

Non-Pneumatic Tire Design and Modeling: An Overview of Research

“…In 2023, Sardinha et al [1] conducted a comprehensive review of NP tire technology. They examined the mechanical design, development, and characteristics of NP tires, including structural features, mechanical behavior analysis, standards, analysis methods, materials, production techniques, and end-of-life considerations (see Figure 2).…”

Comparison of e-scooter tyre performance using rolling resistance trailer

“…Currently, there is limited information available for the performance of tyres that are typically used on e-scooters. In particular, there is a lack in knowledge about the performance differences of non-pneumatic tyres, which have the potential to offer both environmental and performance advantages over traditional pneumatic tyres (Sardinha et al, 2023). The results from this study have the potential to enable e-scooter designers (and users) to make informed decisions when selecting a tyre for improved energy efficiency in terms of tyre rolling resistance.…”

Optimizing the Honeycomb Spoke Structure of a Non-Pneumatic Wheel to Reduce Rolling Resistance

“…A non-pneumatic tyre usually consists of a rim, elastic spokes, reinforcements, shear bands, and tread, and tyre performance is largely determined by the elastic spokes [8]. The main considerations in the design of NPTs are tyre mass, stiffness, ground pressure, and rolling resistance [9]. Some spokes derived from bionic designs are able to combine…”