Pneumatic Tire Definition
"Pneumatic" is a Greek word for "spirit". "Pneuma" translates to something that is filled with air. Nearly all tires you see or utilize today are more than likely pneumatic tires. The truth is, nearly all modern commercial transportation and private transportation can not function without pneumatic tires.
Definition
Webster's on line dictionary defines pneumatic tires as tires that are made from reinforced rubber and can hold compressed air. Any tire that requires air pressure to hold its form is considered to be a pneumatic tire.
History
The invention of the pneumatic tire has been credited to Irish surgeon John Boyd Dunlop, who during 1888 developed the very first practical pneumatic bicycle tire. In 1895, the Michelin brothers Edouard and Andre, the Michelin brothers were the very first to utilize pneumatic tires on a car during a race.
Identification
Pneumatic tires are made from numerous bands of plys or corded fabric. Plys are normally coated with rubber that enables them to hold air pressure. Bias ply tires have the plys overlaid at a particular 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 kind of tire which needs a rubber inner tube to hold the air pressure. Bicycle tires, motorcycle tires on spoke rims and car tires and older bias ply truck utilize inner tubes. Tubeless tires have a stiff bead on the sidewall edges that forms an airtight seal with the wheel. This type of tire does not need an inner tube.
Exceptions
Pneumatic tires can be punctured and lose air pressure that makes them unsuitable for specific applications. Tires used on forklifts, tires utilized in construction, tires used by the military are often filled with resilient foam or constructed with solid rubber.
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