Lightweight Design and Structural Analysis of a Wheel Rim Using Finite Element Method and It^s Effect on Fuel Economy and Carbon Dioxide Emission
Towhidul Islam(a*), Shakik Ahnaf(b), Md. Muntashir Mamun(c), Abu Saleh Mohammad Musa(d)

a)Military institute of Science and Technology
b)Military institute of Science and Technology
c)Military institute of Science and Technology
d)Military institute of Science and Technology

Abstract

Wheel rims made of metal alloy have a considerable impact on the vehicle^s overall weight. Consequently, employing alloys in the design of wheels results in higher fuel efficiency and lower emissions of carbon dioxide. Weight reduction of vehicles also leads to better acceleration. Lightweight automotive design has been increasingly popular in recent years as a means of conserving energy and protecting the environment. The rim is an essential feature of the vehicle since it bears a substantial portion of the vehicle^s overall weight. A vehicle^s weight can be greatly reduced by using a lightweight rim. However, the impact of a lightweight rim on improved fuel economy and reduced carbon dioxide emissions has not been widely explored. In this study, a wheel rim has been designed and a finite element model has been developed considering radial load, where tire pressure has also been considered. A practical experiment with identical parameters had also been carried out. The values of equivalent stress, strain and deformation for a metal and an alloy which is steel and cast aluminum alloy (A356.0) respectively have been compared. In terms of structural stability, steel and cast aluminum alloy both have shown fairly similar results based on equivalent stress and deformation. However, the use of cast aluminum alloy has greatly decreased the rim^s weight as a result of their low density and high specific strength. Additionally, the aluminum alloy rim has shown superior fuel efficiency and lower carbon dioxide emissions. According to the findings, cast aluminum alloy rims are more feasible when building a vehicle wheel rim since they minimize the wheel^s and vehicle^s weight while maintaining structural strength. This leads to less fuel consumption, which can save fuel costs and is important for the conservation of energy.

Keywords: Materials, Modeling, Simulation, Mechanics, vehicle, wheel rim, fea

Topic: Lightweight Structure