College
College of Engineering and Polymer Science
Date of Last Revision
2026-05-07 06:08:03
Major
Mechanical Engineering
Honors Course
MECE 497
Number of Credits
2
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2026
Abstract
This project focuses on developing a high-speed non-pneumatic tire (NPT) capable of safely operating at speeds greater than 60 mph, a performance range where most existing airless tire designs fail due to structural instability and performance limitations. The objective of this work is to design, analyze, and prototype a structurally optimized honeycomb-based tire structure with improved load distribution, deformation control, and durability. Multiple geometries were evaluated using finite element analysis (FEA) to assess stress and maximum resultant (total) displacement behavior under loading conditions, and a material selection study was performed to identify a suitable material for the design. The final concept was also validated through ¼ scale 3D printed prototypes. Key constraints included material performance limits at high speeds, structural durability requirements, and abiding by relevant ASTM and SAE standards. Overall, the project demonstrates a practical design approach for improving the performance of non-pneumatic tires for potential highway-speed applications.
Research Sponsor
Hyeonu Heo
First Reader
David Peters
Second Reader
D. Dane Quinn
Honors Faculty Advisor
D. Dane Quinn
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Community Engaged Scholarship
No
Recommended Citation
Grams, Jacob; Maurer, Brady; and Groewa, Jake, "High-Speed Non-Pneumatic Tire (NPT) Design for Speeds Above 60 mph" (2026). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 2181.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/2181