ASTM F551/F551M-09a

The 1.707-m [67.23-in.] diameter laboratory test roadwheel is one of the most extensively employed testing devices for tire durability and endurance testing.

This test apparatus operating in the laboratory at controlled surface speeds, loads, and ambient temperatures simulates, to a degree, tire-operating conditions resembling actual service. Because of the roadwheel curvature, the test tire is fatigued more rapidly than a tire operating on a road.

The laboratory roadwheel described in this practice is suitable for comparative evaluation of tires under controlled operating and environmental conditions.

While the laboratory roadwheel may not reproduce structural fatigue exactly as it occurs in service, the laboratory wheel can be used to produce fatigue under controlled conditions.

1.1 This practice covers the requirements for a 1.707-m [67.23-in.] diameter laboratory roadwheel for durability and endurance testing of tires under controlled operating and environmental conditions.

1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary statements, see Section 7 and Note 1.