A Pattern Design for Run Flat Wheel Suitable for Small Regular Armored Truck Using Finite Element Method

Abstract

Run flat wheels for small armored regular trucks have been re-developed by transformation from the original metallic material to compound materials, polymer group materials as important raw materials, then added with aluminum oxide powder to achieve higher strength and wear resistance. The research was performed by using reverse engineering processes including designing, and analysis with finite element methodology with the SolidWorks Simulation program and comparing the analyzed results with outcome experiments. Several variables used for the design and analysis were 1) the optimal width of the run flat wheel at the parts both attached to the wheel pan and contacted with the inner rubber surface 2) internal and external radiuses. The internal radius is depending on the size of the wheel pan and the external radius is a variable that determines the height of the Run flat wheel. 3) the shape designed to prevent wearing of the inner tire surface of the run flat wheel and the shape of the run flat reel in the part contacted with the wheel pan. This wheel pan part is such uneven inclined area which is difficult to hold. 4) a design locking kit for tightly fastening the run flat reels to the wheel pan 5) the material used to create the run flat wheel and 6) tire pressure. The run-flat wheels were then designed and constructed in a modular form of 3 parts for ease of the wheel pan assembly. In designing pattern, the assembling run flat reels had to be fit into the characteristics of a small armored regular truck wheel pan, convenient to assemble with a wheel pan, and tightly attached without looseness or deformation when impacted. The run flat reel gripping device has been redesigned to lock all three run flat parts together. It brought up the impact resistance from body weight was at 50 km/hr.