TM 9-2610-200-14 E-1 APPENDIX E:     GLOSSARY Accelerator   A chemical that affects the rate of vulcanization of the tread rubber   compounds. Adhesion   A bond between materials. Analysis   Inspection to determine the condition or state of repair . Atmospheric Cracking   See Ozone. Awl   A pointed or flat tool used to probe nail holes and injuries. Backing   A removable protective material used on the application side of retread   rubber and repair materials to preserve cleanliness and tackiness. Band Ply   The inner cord ply of a tire. Bead   The anchoring part of the tire that is shaped to fit the rim. The bead is heat treated, rubber cushioned, high carbon steel wires wrapped and reinforced by the plies. Bead Filler   A semihard base rubber wrapped around the bead seats and cured as an   integral part of the tire. It holds the bead cables firmly and rigidly in place and prevents moisture from attacking the metal bands . Bead Heel   The lower outside edge of the bead that rests against the rim flange. Bead Separation   A breakdown of the bond between components in the bead area . Bead-to-bead Measurement     The distance from the heel of one bead measured 90° straight up over the crown and down the other side to a position on the heel of the other bead directly opposite the starting point. Bead Toe   The lower inside edge of the bead that rides on the rim. Bloom   A powdered coating generated on raw rubber stock due to age in storage. Usually the first sign of deterioration. See Ozone. Blowout   See Ply Separation. Bonding   Sticking two materials together using adhesives or other means . Bowed Bead      A bead deformed into an elliptical (oval) shape. Break   A crack extending into or through the fabric. An impact break is usually in the shape of an "X" or star and can be seen from the inside of the tire. A flex or circumferential break runs parallel to the beads. Breaker Strip   A band or strip of rubber-coated bias cut tire cord placed circumferentially around the tire between the last ply of casing fabric and tread. Sometimes called the impact or shock ply.