Editing Tweel (section)

==Design==
The Tweel consists of a band of conventional tire rubber with molded tread, a shear beam just below the tread that creates a compliant [[contact patch]], a series of energy-absorbing [[polyurethane]] spokes, and an integral inner hub structure. Both the shear beam and the polyurethane spokes can be designed to provide a calibrated directional stiffness in order to control both how the Tweel handles and how it handles loads. The inner hub structure may be either rigid or compliant,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.michelintweel.com/aboutTweel.html |title=How the 12N16.5 MICHELIN® X® Tweel® SSL Works |publisher=Michelin |accessdate=2014-02-09}}</ref> depending on the application requirements, and as such may contain a matrix of deformable plastic structures that flex under load and subsequently return to their original shape. By varying the thickness and size of the spokes the design elements can be manipulated to engineer a wide range of ride and handling qualities. The tread can be as specialized as any conventional tires and is replaceable.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://auto.howstuffworks.com/tweel-airless-tire.htm |title=How the Tweel Airless Tire Works |publisher=HowStuffWorks |first=Ed |last=Grabianowski |date=2007-05-10 |accessdate=2014-02-09}}</ref>