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.[2] It won the Technological Innovation Award in 1988.[2]
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.[1] 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.[2][3][1]
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.[4][5]