Self-Supporting Tire Performance Criteria and Testing

In recent years, consumer demand for self-supporting tires has increased and significant development has occurred in the tire industry. Consequently, several self-supporting tires have been launched into the market. Given the special nature of the design and the unique performance characteristics, new considerations have to be introduced into the realm of tire and vehicle evaluation. The most notable of these are those related to deflated mobility. Fundamental performance characteristics are presented; general guidelines for testing and performance criteria are proposed. This information can serve as a preliminary basis for the expansion of application, and evolution of self-supporting tire designs.