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7 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
= new reply since forum marked as read
That being said, I'll happily put some 33's on my Jeep for testing. 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tweel
Design
The Tweel consists of a cable-reinforced band of conventional tire rubber with molded tread, a shear band just below the tread that creates a compliant contact patch, and a series of energy-absorbing polyurethane spokes. The rectangular spokes can be designed to have a range of stiffnesses, so engineers can control how the Tweel handles loads. The inner hub contains a matrix of deformable plastic structures that flex under load and return to their original shape. By varying the thickness and size of the spokes, Michelin can generate a wide array of ride and handling qualities. The tread can be as specialised as any of today's tires and is replaceable when worn.[1]
Benefits and drawbacks
Potential benefits of the Tweel include the obvious safety and convenience of never having flat tires. Eventually, it may be able to outperform a pneumatic tire since it can be designed to have high lateral strength for better handling without a loss in comfort since the design of the spokes allows the vertical and lateral stiffness to be tuned independently. The tread patterns may incorporate holes in the design thus eliminating or significantly reducing aquaplaning. Michelin expects the tread to last two to three times as long as a conventional tire.[2] Because only the tread around the circumference would be disposed of when worn as opposed to a whole tire, the environmental impact should be less.
The Tweel does have several flaws, however, the worst being vibration. Above 50 mph (80 km/h), the Tweel vibrates considerably, which in itself is a problem that also gives rise to undesired noise and heat. A fast-moving Tweel is unpleasantly loud[3] and produces 5 percent more friction compared to a radial tire.[2]
Design
The Tweel consists of a cable-reinforced band of conventional tire rubber with molded tread, a shear band just below the tread that creates a compliant contact patch, and a series of energy-absorbing polyurethane spokes. The rectangular spokes can be designed to have a range of stiffnesses, so engineers can control how the Tweel handles loads. The inner hub contains a matrix of deformable plastic structures that flex under load and return to their original shape. By varying the thickness and size of the spokes, Michelin can generate a wide array of ride and handling qualities. The tread can be as specialised as any of today's tires and is replaceable when worn.[1]
Benefits and drawbacks
Potential benefits of the Tweel include the obvious safety and convenience of never having flat tires. Eventually, it may be able to outperform a pneumatic tire since it can be designed to have high lateral strength for better handling without a loss in comfort since the design of the spokes allows the vertical and lateral stiffness to be tuned independently. The tread patterns may incorporate holes in the design thus eliminating or significantly reducing aquaplaning. Michelin expects the tread to last two to three times as long as a conventional tire.[2] Because only the tread around the circumference would be disposed of when worn as opposed to a whole tire, the environmental impact should be less.
The Tweel does have several flaws, however, the worst being vibration. Above 50 mph (80 km/h), the Tweel vibrates considerably, which in itself is a problem that also gives rise to undesired noise and heat. A fast-moving Tweel is unpleasantly loud[3] and produces 5 percent more friction compared to a radial tire.[2]
