Re: Wheel-less tire question

On 3/13/2025 9:39 PM, bp@www.zefox.net wrote:

AMuzi <am@yellowjersey.org> wrote:

>
>
A tensioned wheel, (as bicycles wheels with actual tensioned
spokes, not including carbon sheets) has to have a
noncompressible* rim of constant* circumference in order to
not flop around.  It's an elegant thing, with among the
highest strength to weight ratios of human built structures.
>

 If a tubular tire is inflated to working pressure while not
mounted to a rim does it _not_ become a stiff hoop?
 Thanks for writing,
 bob prohaska
 

No, it does not.  Try it!
Due to the fabric bias, a tubular minor diameter shrinks radically when pressurized (which makes it tight on the rim in normal use).  In midair, they make something close to an infinity symbol or figure 8 as the minor diameter is reduced.
--
Andrew Muzi
am@yellowjersey.org
Open every day since 1 April, 1971