Modeling the mechanical response of an aluminum alloy automotive rim

This paper presents and discuss the use of the finite element technique for analyzing stress and displacement distributions in an aluminum alloy automotive rim–tire combination unit subject to the conjoint influence of inflation pressure and radial load. The commonly used considerations in wheel design are elucidated. A viable and time-efficient technique for finite element modeling of a wheel (rim–tire unit), subjected to loading, is presented. The extrinsic influence of inflation pressure of the radial tire on wheel performance is discussed.