Design Analysis and 3D Printing of Non-Pneumatic Tyre

The major concern when implementing maneuvers are acceleration, braking and steering for the safety control which ultimately depends on the road and tyre surface friction. To withstand the vertical loads and maintain good traction with contact surface pneumatic tyres with high volume of pressurized air are required. To improve the comfort, handling and grip with low unsprung mass, non-pneumatic tyres are needed which are not reinforced with air pressure. The decreased effect of rolling resistance, added cushioning effect and better cellular shear band design increased the performance level than pneumatic tyres. Here, air is replaced by poly-composite spokes that eliminates the possibility of tyre going flat. This paper mainly discusses the environmental impact and stability issues of conventional pneumatic tyres and also focuses on the various possible design and components of an airless tyre. This paper also presents the modelling and analysis of non-pneumatic tyre followed by 3D printed sealed model using ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane). Honeycomb structured cellular shear band made of polyurethane are tested with different shear band angles and loading conditions. The simulation results reveal that shear angle of 120^o for non-pneumatic tyres is most promising that provides better ride and comfort.