Hello, Neil,
I will try to answer your question, and then Racer might add corrections.
1. Air is the ideal suspension medium for a wheel because it absorbs NO energy. Nitrogen doesn't add anything except maybe longer life.
2. General shape of the tire-- large diameter, fairly narrow, and high profile (aspect ratio). Tread is narrower than the tire. As light-weight as possible.
3. Soft rubber with least internal friction. Very strong cord material.
4. Tire pressure is fairly high, helped by narrower width and high profile.
A question I would have is, is it better (more efficient) to provide compliance (soft ride) in the tire or in the wheel suspension?
Is there an accessible book or paper to recommend?
Ernie Rogers
Quote:
Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard
Thanks for posting! I feel like I'm starting to get a better feel for RR.
Q: In an ideal world, how would one design the lowest rolling resistance wheel/tire?
Anything is possible; including no air inflation, and no need for any suspension function! (The suspension would need to be redesigned to work with this new tire/wheel.) You would want to have smooth aerodynamics, and good traction on "normal" paved roads, in wet and dry conditions. (We'll leave the snow and ice for another tire/wheel.)
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