Radial Load, Axial Load and Toque Load in a car wheel

In summary, the conversation involved a specific case of a Jaguar and the task of finding the radial, axial, and torque loads on a moving car's wheel. The radial load was calculated to be 3615 N under normal conditions, but could reach a maximum of 7228 N in a worst case scenario. The axial load was estimated to be 3259 N per wheel and the maximum torque was determined to be 590 Nm. However, there are several assumptions and simplifications in these calculations, such as neglecting weight distribution and the effects of the gearbox and differential.
  • #1
lomu123
1
0
This is a specific case involving a Jaguar, but any help on the correct way to find the radial axial and torque loads in a moving cars wheel would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Homework Statement


Estimate the worst case radial, axial and torque loads on a wheel.

Mass of car : 1465 KG
Number of Wheels:4



Homework Equations


F=ma


The Attempt at a Solution



Worst Case Radial Load

The radial load in each wheel is the results of the mass of the car. Since there are four wheel on a car when the car is static the load is evenly distributed between the four wheels. Since the mass of the Jaguar e-type is 1475 KG loaded it can be assumed the mass on each wheel is 369 KG. In order to calculate the force due to this mass we use Newton’s second law:

F=ma (1)

where a is acceleration due to gravity, 9.81 m/s2 , and m is the mass through each wheel, 369 KG.

F= 369 x 9.81

This gives a radial load of 3615 N in each wheel.

However in the case of our wheel we want to know the worst case radial load. This would be when the mass is not evenly distributed through the four wheels, but only 2. This would occur when the car is making a sharp turn causing one side to lift off the ground slightly. We can estimate at this point that the mass of the car is loaded onto 2 wheels giving a mass on each wheel of 737.5 KG. Using eq. 1 again we can estimate the radial load in each wheel:

F= 737.5 x 9.81

This gives a radial load of 7228N.


Worst Case Axial Load

An axial load is produced when a car turns. This is due to the centripetal force produced when an object moves in a circular path. I shall estimate that the centripetal force is equal to that of the axial load in the wheels. In the case of the car this force is equal to that of the friction force produced by the tyre on the road. The equation for centripetal force is:

Fc = mac (2)

where ac = v2 /r giving:

Fc = (mv2)/r (3)

We can see from this equation that the maximum centripetal force (and therefore the maximum axial load) is when velocity is high and the turning radius, r, is small. In order to find suitable values for velocity and turning radius we have to equate the centripetal force to the frictional force. This gives:

μmg = (mv2)/r (4)

This can me re-arranged to give:

r = v2/μg (5)

Since we know the top speed of the car, 150 MPH (67 m/s) , and μ (the friction coefficient of a rubber tyre on dry tarmac is estimated to be 0.9) we can find the smallest turning radius of the car at that speed without slipping would be 508 m. If the car tried to turn a tighter corner than that at top speed it would slip and therefore my assumption of the centripetal force equalling the frictional force would not hold true. With this information we can now use eq. 3 to calculate the axial load of the car on the point of slipping, when it would be maximum.

Fc = (1475 x 67 x 67)/508 = 13034 N

We can assume the axial load is evenly distributed between the four wheels giving a maximum axial load of 3259N in each wheel.


Maximum torque loads

The torque load is the wheel is given by the following equation:

T = Fr (6)

Where r is the radius of the wheel and F is given by eq.1 giving :

T = mar (7)

Since r and m are constant the maximum torque is present when the car accelerating or decelerating the most. In the case of a car this is going to be greatest when a car is braking. We can approximate the deceleration of a car at high speed using:

a = (v2 – u2) / 2s (8)

This assumes the deceleration is constant which in practice is not but shall be a suitable approximation in our case.
To find a appropriate value for s, the distance taken to stop, I referred to the national highway guidelines for breaking distances. For a car traveling 90 MPH (40.2 m/s) is takes a car on average 386m excluding reaction time. You could argue that the Jaguar produced in the 60’s would have the same quality brakes as a modern car but the Jaguar was built as a high performance sports car so I believe its brakes performance would be similar to that of a modern car. With this information we can calculate the deceleration:

a = -(40.2)2 / 2 x386 = -2.1 m/s

Since we know the mass of the car, 1475 KG, and the radius of the wheel, 0.1905m (excluding the rim of the wheel) we can use eq. 7 to give the maximum torque to be:
Tmax =1475 x 2.1 x 0.1905 = 590 N
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
1. Torque has units of force x distance.
2. You are assuming a 50-50 weight distribution front-rear.
3. You are neglecting the fact that on acceleration from stop, the engine torque to the driving wheels is multiplied through the gearbox and the differential on its way to the wheels.
4. Your calculation of braking torque in the OP assumes that all of this torque is applied to one wheel.
 

1. What is radial load in a car wheel?

Radial load refers to the weight or force that is applied perpendicular to the axis of rotation of a car wheel. This load is responsible for supporting the weight of the vehicle and its passengers, as well as any additional cargo.

2. What is axial load in a car wheel?

Axial load, also known as thrust load, is the force that is applied parallel to the axis of rotation of a car wheel. This load is responsible for keeping the wheel in place and preventing it from moving back and forth on its axle.

3. How do radial and axial loads affect a car wheel?

Radial and axial loads play a crucial role in the performance and durability of a car wheel. The radial load determines the weight that the wheel can support, while the axial load ensures that the wheel stays in place and can withstand forces such as braking and acceleration.

4. What is torque load in a car wheel?

Torque load refers to the twisting force that is applied to the car wheel. This load is generated by the engine and transmitted through the transmission, driveshaft, and ultimately to the wheels. Torque load is responsible for the rotation of the wheel, allowing the car to move forward or backward.

5. How can I ensure that my car wheel can handle these loads?

To ensure that your car wheel can handle radial, axial, and torque loads, it is important to regularly check and maintain proper tire pressure, alignment, and rotation. It is also essential to use the correct wheel size and type for your vehicle and to avoid overloading the car with excessive weight or cargo.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
19
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
33
Views
10K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
732
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
1K
Replies
15
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
893
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
854
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
3
Replies
102
Views
4K
Back
Top