The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) has recently published the list of funded projects for the 2024 NSFC Regional Innovation and Development Joint Fund Integration Program (hereinafter referred to as "Integration Program"). The project led by Professor Zhao Dingxuan from YSU’s School of Mechanical Engineering, entitled “Foundational Research on High-Performance Active Suspension for Vehicles with Solid Non-Pneumatic Tires”, has been approved. The project, designated with the code U24A6008 and funded with a direct grant of 10 million yuan, is led by YSU in collaboration with Jilin University, Jiangsu University, and leading enterprises in the industry such as CITIC Dicastal Co., Ltd. and Great Wall Motor Company Limited. This project represents the first NSFC Regional Innovation and Development Joint Fund Integration Program that our university has spearheaded and secured approval for, representing yet another major breakthrough in our university’s foundational research development.
Illustration of the project’s research objectives
Professor Zhao Dingxuan providing instructions to students
To reduce the incidence of traffic accidents caused by blowouts, enhance vehicle safety, and cut the daily maintenance costs of tires, the development of non-pneumatic tires for vehicles is a crucial undertaking. Since 2005, non-pneumatic tires have primarily achieved their air-free design through innovations in internal structure and materials. Typically, these tires incorporate a mesh or honeycomb-like elastic layer inside to provide the necessary flexibility that traditional pneumatic tires offer. However, these designs come with several challenges: high manufacturing costs, increased noise levels, limited load-bearing capacity, inability to support high-speed driving, and unsuitability for harsh environments such as muddy conditions and extreme cold. Consequently, the practical applications of non-pneumatic tires in vehicles remain constrained, leading to developmental bottlenecks. This project takes an innovative approach by enhancing the shock absorption capabilities of the suspension system, thereby replacing the need for pneumatic tires. This allows for the use of solid rubber tires, simplifying the tire design while ensuring that the shock absorption performance of vehicles equipped with solid non-pneumatic tires matches or exceeds that of vehicles with traditional air-filled tires. Upon successful completion of this project, it will set a new industry standard, enabling the widespread adoption of solid non-pneumatic tires for a significant number of vehicles. This innovation promises to enhance safety and convenience for everyday travel and work.
The Joint Fund for Regional Innovation and Development, as a critical component of the NSFC, has been jointly established by the NSFC and local government authorities. It aims to harness the guiding role of the NSFC, diversify investment in basic research, and boost the self-reliance and innovation of regions across the country. The integration program is a major project category within the NSFC funding framework. Undertaking such projects underscores our university’s research prowess in the foundational areas of mechanical engineering and highlights our significant achievements in organized research initiatives. This contributes substantially to our efforts in building a high-level "Double First-Class" university and promoting comprehensive, high-quality development.
