Pneumatic Tire Definition
The term "pneumatic" comes from the Greek word for "spirit" that is "pneuma" and translates to anything which is filled with air. Most tires you use or see nowadays are more than likely pneumatic tires. The truth is, nearly all private motor vehicles and modern commercial transportation could not function without pneumatic tires.
Definition
Pneumatic tires as defined by Webster's on line dictionary are described as tires that are made from reinforced rubber, holding compressed air. Any tire which 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 John Boyd Dunlop, an Irish surgeon, who in the year 1888 developed the very first practical pneumatic bicycle tire. During 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 to be able hold air pressure. Bias ply tires have the plys overlaid at a specific angle to the other layers. Radial tires have all plys laid at 90 degrees to the tire body or casing.
KInds
Inside tube tires, there are a type of 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 which forms an airtight seal with the wheel. This type of tire does not need an inner tube.
Exceptions
Pneumatic tires can lose air pressure when punctured that makes them unsuitable for specific applications. Tires tires utilized by the military, used on forklifts, tires used in construction are usually made with solid rubber or filled with resilient foam.
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