Pneumatic Tire Definition
"Pneumatic" is a Greek word for "spirit". "Pneuma" translates to something that is filled with air. The majority of tires you use or see nowadays are more than likely pneumatic tires. In fact, the majority of modern commercial transportation and private transportation can not function without pneumatic tires.
Definition
Pneumatic tires as defined by Webster's on-line dictionary are described as tires which are constructed from reinforced rubber, which hold compressed air. Any type of tire that requires air pressure to hold its shape is considered to be a pneumatic tire.
History
John Boyd Dunlop, the Irish surgeon has been credited to inventing the pneumatic tire. He developed the very first practical pneumatic bicycle tire during the year 1888. In 1895, the Michelin brothers Edouard and Andre, the Michelin brothers were the very first ones to use pneumatic tires on a car during a race.
Identification
Pneumatic tires are made up 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.
KInds
Tube tires are a type of tire that requires a rubber inner tube in order 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 edges of the sidewall which creates an airtight seal with the wheel. This eliminates the need for an inner tube.
Exceptions
The fact that pneumatic tires could lose air pressure and be punctured makes them unsuitable for certain applications. Tires utilized on forklifts, tires utilized in construction, tires used by the military are often made with solid rubber or filled with resilient foam.
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