Tyre Construction - Wheels & Tyres - Airframes & Aircraft Systems #20

Summary

This educational video script delves into the construction of aircraft tires, focusing on radial and cross ply types. It explains the function of tire components like the crown, shoulder, and sidewall, and the significance of tire inflation with nitrogen. The script distinguishes between radial ply and bias tires based on cord arrangement. It also covers tire ratings, bead construction, and the importance of correct tire pressure for aircraft safety. Additionally, it touches on special features like breaker strips and chines for water dispersion, emphasizing the need for various tire sizes and pressures to accommodate different aircraft landing speeds and surfaces.

Takeaways

• 🛫 Aircraft tires are crucial for absorbing shocks and supporting the weight of the aircraft during landing and takeoff.
• 🌐 There are two main types of aircraft tires: radial and cross ply (bias) tires, differing in their construction methods.
• 💭 Modern aircraft mostly use tubeless tires, while some light and older aircraft may use tires with inner tubes.
• 🔍 Tires are inflated with nitrogen to enhance their performance and durability.
• 🔩 The tire is divided into sections: crown, shoulder, sidewall, and bead, each playing a specific role in the tire's function.
• 🌀 Radial tires have cords that run from bead to bead at approximately 90 degrees to the centerline, enhancing their strength and performance.
• 🔄 Bias or cross ply tires have cords arranged at 90 degrees to one another in adjacent plies, providing a different structural integrity.
• 🏷 The ply rating on a tire indicates its strength and is displayed on the sidewall, but it does not directly correspond to the number of plies.
• 🔩 Tire beads, made of high tensile wire strands, are crucial for holding the tire onto the wheel and maintaining a gas-tight seal if tubeless.
• 💧 Tread patterns, such as ribbed types with circumferential grooves, aid in water dispersion and prevent aquaplaning, improving grip on runway surfaces.
• ⚙️ Special breaker strips in some tires provide additional strength and support, especially under heavy loads or high-speed operations.

Q & A

What are the two types of tires fitted to aircraft?

The two types of tires fitted to aircraft are radial and cross ply or bias tires.

What type of tires are most modern aircraft equipped with?

Most modern aircraft are equipped with tubeless tires.

What gas is commonly used to inflate aircraft tires and why?

Nitrogen is commonly used to inflate aircraft tires because it absorbs shocks and supports the weight of the aircraft.

What is the function of the tire cover in an aircraft tire?

The tire cover maintains the shape of the tire, transmits braking, and provides a wearing surface.

What are the two main sections of a tire and what are their roles?

The two main sections of a tire are the crown and the shoulder section. The crown bears the load and provides a contact surface with the ground, while the shoulder section provides additional support and helps maintain tire shape.

How are the cords in bias or cross ply tires arranged during tire construction?

In bias or cross ply tires, the cords of adjacent plies are arranged at 90 degrees to one another and from bead to bead at approximately 90 degrees to the centerline of the tire.

What does the ply rating of a tire indicate?

The ply rating of a tire does not directly relate to the number of plies but is an index of the tire's strength.

What is the purpose of the rubber lining applied to the inner surface of a tubeless tire?

The rubber lining in a tubeless tire retains the gas pressure and forms a gas-tight seal on the wheel rim.

What is the function of breaker strips in aircraft tires?

Breaker strips are narrow plies embedded in thick layers of rubber between the casing and the tread to provide additional strength and protection against damage.

Why are chines molded onto the shoulder of nosewheel tires?

Chines are rubber extensions designed to direct water away from engine intakes, preventing flameouts due to water ingestion.

What is the importance of checking tire inflation pressure in aircraft?

Checking tire inflation pressure is crucial as incorrect pressure can lead to tire failures. Under-inflated tires may cause excessive shoulder wear and creep, while over-inflated tires can cause excessive wear to the crown of the tires.