Aircraft Tire Retreading

Rigorously Tested Retread Tires

VSE Aviation and its affiliate repair station, Aero Wheel & Brake, utilize cutting-edge Laser Shearography technology for advanced interferometry-based non-destructive testing (NDT) of aircraft and motorcycle tire carcasses.

While this NDT technique is not mandated by the FAA or DOT, we believe it plays a crucial role in enhancing the safety and quality of our retreaded aircraft tires. Notably, industry leaders like Michelin and Goodyear also employ this method for testing heavy turboprop and jet transport tires.

In fact, our retreaded tires may undergo more rigorous testing than new ones. Since most new tires do not undergo Laser Shearography, we can identify potential issues that the original manufacturer may have overlooked.

Shearography Measuring System

Shearography was initially developed for strain analysis and the inspection of honeycomb structures and bonded composites. Laser Shearography excels in detecting even the slightest surface strain caused by subsurface flaws, making it highly effective for identifying defects such as belt-edge separations, bead blisters, undercure, liner separation, and broken cords and ply construction in aircraft tires.

Our advanced system can accommodate aircraft tires up to 49″ in diameter, utilizing the latest computer imaging analysis software, electronic Phase-Shearing-Interferometry techniques, an integrated laser-diode CCD camera, and real-time optical illumination image analysis. Additionally, the system records and stores test data on disc, ensuring precise traceability by work order and serial number.

Key benefits of this system include:

  1. Significantly enhanced detection of carcass abnormalities
  2. Instantaneous detection of carcass fatigue
  3. Immediate identification of internal carcass damage
  4. 100% validation of used carcasses
  5. Improved detection of carcass deterioration

VSE Aviation is the only aircraft tire retreader, outside of OEMs, to adopt this cutting-edge technology to enhance the safety and reliability of our retreaded aircraft tires. We remain committed to continuously improving the quality and processes of our products, and we look forward to meeting the needs of corporate and commuter aircraft operators worldwide.

Laser Shearography Technical Aspects

Basics of Interferometry

The following are Non Destructive Testing methods typically used for the inspection of new tires and casings for retreading:

  • Ultra Sonics – low resolution
  • X-Ray – other anomalies
  • Interferometry – interferometry is the core technology in our applications and therefore it is declared in more detail now


Interferometric Methods

Past: Film-based Holographic Interferometry and Shearography

Present: Film-less “Speckle-Interferometry” and “Speckle-Shearing”
Compact sealed optical setup with an integrated interferometer with CCD-camera, integrated laser diodes and standard PC with an image analysis system


Principle of Measurement

The basic effect is the interference of light waves:

  • Fast and sensitive (~ 0,0004 mm fringe to fringe)
  • Safe, no radiation (machine setup is laser class1)

To get this interference effect the light source has to be single frequency and constant over the time (coherent).

The measuring technique is based on:

  • Michelson Interferometer for the Shearing-Setup
  • Classic Phase-Shifting Method for Image Analysis
  • Multiple Laser-Diodes
    (US Patent, No. US 6,417,916 B1)

Tire Testing Setup

  • The measurement equipment is strategically positioned relative to the tire, either inside, outside, or both
  • The tire is inspected in segmented sections along its circumference
  • The entire setup is enclosed within a chamber to apply a pressure differential, which stresses the tire for accurate testing

Measuring

The tire surface is illuminated with coherent light and simultaneously monitored using the shearing setup. Before and after stress load images are taken of each tire carcass.

Send Us Your Casings for Retreading

Are you ready to send us your casing for retreading? Please download the form below and include it with your casing shipment.

Casing Return Form

Contact Us

Tire Distribution

6900 Acco St
Montebello, CA 90640 USA

+1.323.721.4900
e-Commerce: shop.vseaviation.com
sales@vseaviation.com

Aero Wheel & Brake

6900 Acco St
Montebello, CA 90640 USA

+1.800.247.2720
sales@aerowbs.com

Rotable Repairs

20 Progress Road, Leigh-on-Sea
Essex, SS9 5PR, England

+44 (0) 1702.529.888
info@rotablerepairs.com 

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