NASA-developed ‘superelastic tyres’ could revolutionise auto sector

Team Udayavani, Mar 31, 2021, 12:18 PM IST

A new form of tyres developed by NASA’s Glenn Research Center and Goodyear in 2017 for use in space rovers sent to other planets for exploration has the potential to completely change the dynamics for the automobile tyre industry.

Called ‘superelastic tyres,’ they are made from special ‘shape memory alloy’ (mainly nickel-titanium) strings that do not deform under severe strain and are extremely lightweight.

The shape memory alloy feature makes it return to its original shape. Even when they do get deformed they can be made to regain their shape under heat.

The space agency is yet to use it on its space rovers but has reportedly offered the patented technology for commercial use.

Application of the tyres can be myriad: automobile tyres, aircraft tyres, military vehicle tyres, construction vehicle tyres, heavy load carrying and moving tyres.