- Tire mousse
Tire mousse is a component in certain types of off-road
run flat tires , designed to allow them to maintain functionality despite a puncture. It is a ring of flexible foam that slid inside the tire before it is fitted on the rim. [ [http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/02062007/29/run-flat-mousse-tyres-detail.html Run-Flat Mousse Tyres In Detail - Yahoo! Sport UK ] ] The original run-flat mousse, calledBib-Mousse , was developed in 1984 byMichelin , for use on motorbikes in enduro, rally-raid and motocross events. [ [http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=254994&FS=wrc Motorsport.com: News channel ] ] 1987 on the Acropolis Rally, In 1987, Michelin debuted its ATS system (Appui Temporaire Souple, or Flexible Temporary Support) on the worksRenault 11 s ofJean Ragnotti andFrançois Chatriot . [ [http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=254994&FS=wrc Motorsport.com: News channel ] ] It won theTechnological Innovation Award in 1988. [ [http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=254994&FS=wrc Motorsport.com: News channel ] ]Use
The mousse is compressed as soon as the tire is inflated. Once the tire begins being used, it heats up and becomes primed for use. [ [http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/02062007/29/run-flat-mousse-tyres-detail.html Run-Flat Mousse Tyres In Detail - Yahoo! Sport UK ] ] In the event of an air leak, and subsequent loss of pressure, the mousse expands to fill the void, giving a pressure almost equal to that of a properly inflated tire. [ [http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=254994&FS=wrc Motorsport.com: News channel ] ] [ [http://two-wheels.michelin.com/2w/front/index.jsp?codeRubrique=8092004155045&codePage=8092004155045_23092004181624&lang=EN Michelin Motorcycle Tyres: Using Bib-Mousse ] ] [ [http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/02062007/29/run-flat-mousse-tyres-detail.html Run-Flat Mousse Tyres In Detail - Yahoo! Sport UK ] ]
Mousse is used on cars and motorcycles in certain types of
off-road racing such as theWorld Rally Championship , although it is banned following the 2007 season, and theDakar Rally . [ [http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=434851 Run-Flat Tires:A New Standard Rising - MSN Autos ] ] [ [http://www.crash.net/motorsport/wrc/news/158587-0/pirellis_gravel_tyre_gets_green_light.html WRC: Pirelli's gravel tyre gets 'green light' ] ]References
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