Verification of Stress Distribution Effect by Intermediate Ring in Airless Tires with Linked Zig-zag Structure

Airless tires (non-pneumatic tires) are gaining significant attention from the point of view of providing the advantage of puncture-less operation. The proposed interconnected zig-zag structure for the airless tire distributes applied load towards circumferential direction and mitigates localized stress. So, it is expected to lower rolling resistance. In this study, the stress mitigation effect with regards to the configuration of intermediate ring will be quantitatively evaluated and its underlying mechanisms are clarified. It is also confirmed the total strain energy, which strongly affect to rolling resistance, can be reduced by improving the stress mitigation effect using the structure.