Analysis of Wheel and Tire Drum Testing Surfaces

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to further the knowledge of Accuride’s dynamic fatigue testing processes. Accuride currently uses two different types of radial drum testing stations. The radial drum testing stations utilize a large diameter driven drum that will rotate. A wheel and tire assembly will press against the drum where the friction from the drum and the tire causes the wheel and tire assembly to rotate along with the driven drum. When this rolling effect is created a substantial load is placed upon the wheel and tires assembly to accelerate the fatigue test. This dynamic radial drum test is set to show the wheels ability to perform in the industry, where they are continuously used on large vehicles within the trucking industry. The cycles needed to pass the test standards are set according to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), Association of European Wheel Manufacturers (EUWA) and other international organizations. All new wheel designs, wheel material changes, or wheel modifications must be tested to be qualified for sale. It is important to know that the different radial drum station types are similar when completing a fatigue test. There are two different styles of radial drum testing stations which are the concave and the convex systems, which refers to the side of the drum the wheel and tires assembly is placed upon. The goal of this analysis is to gain understanding of the effects each different type of radial drum stations has on the wheel.