This paper examines an aluminum wheel design used with a run-flat tire called an extended mobility technology (EMT) tire, which can be safely driven without air for at least 80 km (50 miles). The setup of the finite element model of the wheel is discussed in detail, along with a parametric study of the inflation pressures and resulting stresses to verify that existing wheel designs could maintain the safety benefit of controlled handling and braking, even when the tire goes flat.

This work was done by John Stearns, Senior Development Engineer, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Akron, OH, using ALGOR FEA software. To obtain a copy of this paper, visit http://goodyearreport.ALGOR.com .