Standardization News

A rim slip performance test for tires that has been done at the Nevada Automotive Test Center for more than 20 years has now become an ASTM International standard. F2803, Test Method for Evaluating Rim Slip Performance of Tires and Wheels, was developed by Subcommittee F09.20 on Vehicular Testing, part of ASTM International Committee F09 on Tires.

Rim slip occurs when tire and wheel combinations are subjected to high torque inputs, with excessive rim slip happening when tire and wheel interface is less than optimal. Reasons for rim slip include:

According to Jason Whiteley, automotive/tire test engineer, Nevada Automotive Test Center, and an F09 member, rim slip can cause improper bead seating, bead damage or additional polishing of the inside rim flange, any of which can lead to air loss over time, rapid air loss or tire blowout.

"Rim slip can increase as a result of low inflation pressure, such as during operations on mud, sand or snow when a higher amount of contact area with the surface is preferred," says Whiteley. "Rim slip may also increase as a result of high torque demand such as during hill climbing or high performance driving."

Whiteley says that F2803 will be helpful to tire and wheel manufacturers to determine what effect different tire designs, wheel designs or inflation pressures have on the amount of rim slip experienced.

To purchase ASTM International standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation number, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (phone: 610-832-9585).

CONTACT Technical Information: Jason Whiteley, Nevada Automotive Test Center • Silver Springs, Nev. • Phone: 775-629-2000 • E-mail: jwhiteley@natc-ht.com O ASTM Staff: Rick Lake • Phone: 610-832-9689 • E-mail: rlake@astm.org O Upcoming Meeting: April 21-22 • April Committee Week • St. Louis, Mo.

Rim slip tests are performed on high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicles such as this.