Tire mousse

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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.^[1] The original run-flat mousse, called Bib-Mousse, was developed in 1984 by Michelin, for use on motorbikes in enduro, rally-raid and motocross events.^[2] 1987 on the Acropolis Rally, In 1987, Michelin debuted its ATS system (Appui Temporaire Souple, or Flexible Temporary Support) on the works Renault 11s of Jean Ragnotti and François Chatriot.^[3] It won the Technological Innovation Award in 1988.^[4]

[edit] Use

The mousse is compressed as soon as the tire is inflated. One the tire begins being used, it heats up and becomes primed for use.^[5] 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.^[6][7][8]

Mousse is used on cars and motorcycles in certain types of off-road racing such as the World Rally Championship, although it is banned following the 2007 season, and the Dakar Rally.^[9][10]

[edit] References