Re: [Phys-l] How "Compressive" is Defined. (was tire q...)

[Brian Whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

At 07:11 AM 11/13/2007, you wrote:
> On Nov 13, 2007, at 1:16 AM, carmelo@pacific.net.sg wrote:
> > There is also no agreement among airlines whether bicycle's tyres
> > should be deflated... Some fear that tyres may explode at low pressure
> > and damage the aircraft fuselage.
> >
> > For example, Qantas requires the tyres to be deflated. British Airways
> > suggests "You may wish to deflate the tyres to reduce risk of damage".
> > United Airlines' requirement is "The bicycle must be contained in a
> > protective/durable case, bag or box." Northwest Airlines merely
> > recommends bicycles to be placed in a bike box.
>
> Why don't they perform an experiment in order to decide which
> recommendation is correct?
> _______________________________________________________
> Ludwik Kowalski, a retired physicist


What an interesting idea! It would be of little avail to mention these
airplanes all seem to run on pneumatic tires - retreads as often as not.

If the cargo space is pressurized, I suppose one could overinflate a
sample of bike tires by 5 or 6 psi and check results.
 Unpressurized cargo needs to stand sterner conditions: 12 psi
 overpressure might be a usable analog for the stratosphere?

I think I'd lean towards the prevention option, rather than the
 mitigation alternative, if I were aboard.....



Brian Whatcott    Altus OK    Eureka!