Pneumatic Tire Definition
"Pneumatic" is a Greek term for "spirit". "Pneuma" translates to something that is filled with air. The majority of tires you see or utilize these days are more than likely pneumatic tires. In fact, most private motor vehicles and modern commercial transportation can not work without utilizing pneumatic tires.
Definition
Pneumatic tires as defined by Webster's on-line dictionary are described as tires that are constructed from reinforced rubber, that hold compressed air. Any kind of tire which requires air pressure to hold its shape is considered to be a pneumatic tire.
History
The Irish surgeon John Boyd Dunlop has been credited to inventing the pneumatic tire. He developed the first practical pneumatic bicycle tire during the year 1888. During 1895, the Michelin brothers Edouard and Andre, the Michelin brothers were the first to use pneumatic tires on a car during a race.
Identification
Pneumatic tires are constructed of bands of corded or plys fabric. These plys are coated with rubber in order to hold air pressure. Bias ply tires have the plys overlaid at a certain angle to the other layers. Radial tires have all plys laid at 90 degrees to the tire body or casing.
Types
Tube tires are a type of tire which needs a rubber inner tube to hold the air pressure. Motorcycle tires on spoke rims, bicycle tires and older bias ply truck and car tires use inner tubes. Tubeless tires have a stiff bead on the sidewall edges that creates an airtight seal with the wheel. This eliminates the need for an inner tube.
Exceptions
Pneumatic tires could lose air pressure when punctured which makes them unsuitable for certain applications. Tires tires utilized in construction, tires utilized by the military, utilized on forklifts are usually constructed with solid rubber or filled with resilient foam.
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