Dynamic Cornering Fatigue Test of New Lightweight Racing Wheel for Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE) Race Car

Abstract

This paper presents the design of a new lightweight racing wheel. A lightweight wheel has the potential of providing better manoeuvrability and overall control during high performance operation. In this study, a Finite Element Model (FEA) was implemented to investigate the dynamic cornering fatigue of the newly designed lightweight racing wheel. Due to the reason that the test was performed in a worst-case scenario and the specimens were required to achieve the minimum life cycles, out of the 36 specimens, the result has shown that only 12 specimens were able to pass the test. Based on the analysis, the specimens highlighted in green were those that could pass the test. It can be noted that those passed specimens were having 7 and 8 spokes. Conclusively, the cornering fatigue test shows that the spoke is vital in affecting the wheels' performance. For future studies, it is recommended that experimental studies are conducted.