Holographic Inspection of Tires

A method of non-destructively detecting internal anomalies or void areas in tires can be a valuable tool for tire structural analysis. Such a system has become commercially available. This system uses holographic interferometry in conjunction with vacuum stressing to non-destructively inspect tires for internal voids or anomalies. A holographic non-destructive testing (HNDT) system has been purchased by General Motors Proving Ground and has been utilized by the Tire & Wheel Development Laboratory for structural analysis of tires prior to, during, and after testing. The HNDT equipment is described and the process and utility of passenger car tire analysis explained.