Investigation on structural design and mechanical characteristics of the spherical multi-hole non-pneumatic tire

Run-flat tire is an important way to avoid vehicle tire burst accidents. Non-pneumatic tires (NPTs) can solve the problem of vehicle tire burst from the root. Based on the tangent construction method, the theory of the support structure design for the spherical multi-hole NPTs is proposed and the finite element models for NPTs were established. Considering different diameters of spherical holes and different numbers of arrayed holes, the relationship between the structural parameters and the mechanical characteristics of two types of NPTs, namely type I and type II, was investigated under different grounding conditions. It is demonstrated that when the number of circular arrays of spherical holes ( N ) is between 24 and 54, the mechanical characteristics of NPTs under different grounding conditions are relatively stable compared with N = 12 or 18. The results of the study provide a theoretical basis and reference for the structural design of NPTs.