Leave it to NASA to Reinvent the Tire

NASA’s Glenn Research center has created a non-pneumatic, compliant tire.

It’s called the “Superelastic Tire” and was developed for future Mars missions, but it’s possible it could be used as a viable alternative to pneumatic tires here on Earth. By using shape memory alloys that are capable of undergoing high strain as load bearing components, the Superelastic Tire is able to withstand excessive deformation without permanent damage. In addition, the shape memory alloy can also increase the load carrying capacity of the tire.

SEE ALSO: Everyone is Working on Airless Rubber for Your Future Car

NASA says the Superelastic Tire offers traction equal or superior to conventional pneumatic tires while eliminating the possibility of puncture failures — because a flat tire on Mars would be a nightmare. The technology also eliminates the need for an inner frame, which simplifies and lightens the entire wheel and tire assembly.

The idea of an airless tire isn’t exactly new, and there are actually a few tire manufacturers working on non-pneumatic products. The problem right now is that companies are having a hard time finding a product that works at high speeds.