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.^[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 theTechnological Innovation Award in 1988.^[4]

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]

References

[1] ttp://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/02062007/29/run-flat-mousse-tyres-detail.html

[2] ttp://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=254994&FS=wrc

[3] ttp://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=254994&FS=wrc

[4] ttp://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=254994&FS=wrc

[5] ttp://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/02062007/29/run-flat-mousse-tyres-detail.html

[6] ttp://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=254994&FS=wrc

[7] ttp://two-wheels.michelin.com/2w/front/index.jsp?codeRubrique=8092004155045&codePage=8092004155045_23092004181624&lang=EN

[8] ttp://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/02062007/29/run-flat-mousse-tyres-detail.html

[9] ttp://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=434851

[10] ttp://www.crash.net/motorsport/wrc/news/158587-0/pirellis_gravel_tyre_gets_green_light.html

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