- Author
-
Besse, L. B.
|
Raybould, S.
- Title
- Demonstration of Forest Service Fire Engine Equipped With a Central Tire Inflation System.
- Coporate
- Forest Service, San Dimas, CA
- Report
-
9271 1205-SDTDC
November 1992
8 p.
- Keywords
-
fire fighting equipment
|
forest fires
|
fire fighting vehicles
- Identifiers
- Central Tire Inflation (CTI)
- Abstract
- Central Tire Inflation (CTI) is a term used for a mechanical (electro-pnuematic) system, installed on a vehicle, that allows the driver to adjust tire pressures while the vehicle is moving. Controls in the cab are used to adjust and monitor tire pressures. The system utilizes an air brake compressor to maintain the tire pressure configuration selected by the driver. Pressure levels are changed for load, speed, road condition, and vehicle traction. Adjusting the tire pressure changes the deflection of the tire. Tire deflection is the change in tire section height from the freestanding height to the loaded height. Tire deflection varies with load and pressure. An increase in load increases tire deflection, while an increase in tire pressure decreases deflection. Increased tire deflection results in greater tire to road surface area or longer tire "footprints" that reduce stress applied to road surfaces, improve traction and reduce tire bouncing.