Shape Memory Alloys: A New Paradigm in Tires

With regard to space applications, conventional mobility elements, such as pneumatic tires, suffer from a number of issues related to reliability. Two of the more prevalent problems are the high likelihood of single point failure owing to puncture (i.e. flat tire), and loss of efficiency due to reduction in tire pressure over time. In an effort to overcome these problems, non-pneumatic, compliant tire designs are being investigated as a solution to the problem. Recent advancements at the NASA Glenn research center in a unique class of metals know as shape memory alloys (SMAs) has opened the design space for non-pneumatic compliant tire technologies allowing designs to incorporate orders of magnitude more deformation without damage. The work presented herein highlights the advantages of using SMAs as compared to conventional metals. Additionally, the development of a unique SMA compliant tire design capable of carrying up to 13.2 kN (3000 lbf) with reversible, local deformations on the order of the side wall height will be presented.