My first thought is why would you want to be able to test the speed rating of a tire? I'll bet there is another way to answer the question you want answered other than conducting this type of test.
Thanks for the reply, I was hoping to hear from you. Among other requests from our potential client, the product that may get developed needs to show function at and after brief exposure to 150 miles per hour equivalent speeds with simulated loading on the wheel / tire assembly. As far as I understand this is a very similar test as the standard speed rating evaluation. The potential product, which without a NDA and non-public forum, I cannot fully describe, does not alter the rim or tire but will load the tire more at speed. Currently I have only located test facilities in New York and Michigan with what appears to be suitable testing equipment. I do not wish to build the test equipment, even if somewhat simplified, for this size of a contract.
Not to butt in here, but I'm a former wheel designer and we dealt with 2 fine test facilities in my 20 years of working in the wheel industry. These 2 might be worth checking out, if you haven't already (only 1 is on west coast):
First, I can understand the reluctance to reveal what product we are talking about - and it's clear that this is neither a tire, nor a wheel - and that creates problems in and of itself. Tire testing facilities typically are prepared for catastrophic TIRE failures, but a different componment failing can cause a much higher level of risk to the equipment and the operators.
But clearly, this would be disclosed during discussions with whatever facility you negotiate with.
In addition to Standard Testing Labs (STL) - I know quite a few folks there - may I also suggest Smithers Scientific Services. Smithers reputation is a step above STL's - not the STL's leaves something to be desired. It's just that Smithers has been around longer and enjoys a incredibly long relationship with the tire industary.
I might also mention Calspan.
And lastly, if the tire is going to be subjected to an increased loading, you might want to contact the tire manufacturer. While it's unlikely, they might also be able to help with a facility - not to mention implications in the performance of the tire where they would need to have some form of signoff.
I'd have thought there was plenty of industry experience with putting things in tires, from run flat technologies through to bits of carpet or bulkheads for roadnoise.
Cheers
Greg Locock
New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376
Thanks to everyone for the input and lab suggestions. This is a big help. Yes, we would fully disclose to the test facility what all was being tested and how the test sample assemblies / test differs from standard. The standard speed test and test equipment though represent what we need in terms of configuration.
