Understanding Axles and Wheels: The Mystery of Spoke Stress in Textbooks

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter tronter
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Wheels
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Textbooks often fail to provide specific calculations for spoke stress in wheels, leaving a gap in understanding for students and professionals alike. To determine spoke tension, essential parameters include the diameter of the rim, the number of spokes, the maximum force the axle can tolerate, and the assembly method. Normal spokes primarily experience tension forces rather than stress. For further insights, refer to the Wikipedia page on spokes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic mechanics and forces
  • Familiarity with wheel assembly techniques
  • Knowledge of tensile strength and material properties
  • Ability to perform calculations involving geometry and force distribution
NEXT STEPS
  • Research calculations for spoke tension using rim diameter and spoke count
  • Explore the mechanics of wheel assembly and its impact on spoke stress
  • Study tensile strength properties of different spoke materials
  • Learn about the physics of force distribution in circular structures
USEFUL FOR

Mechanical engineers, physics students, bicycle enthusiasts, and anyone involved in wheel design and assembly will benefit from this discussion.

tronter
Messages
183
Reaction score
1
why don't textbooks ever give the stress/tension of the spokes on a wheel? How would you find this?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I am not sure if there are any textbooks giving this questions. But it can be calculated. At least you need the diameter of the rim, the number of spokes, the maximum force the axis can tolerate, the way they are assembled etc... For normal spokes (not the hard ones), there are only tension forces, not stress.
You can read this in wiki : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spoke
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Is it possible to create linear acceleration using nothing but different moments of inertia beteen a wheel and axle?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Opposing force of the axle when a torque is applied to a wheel?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
High School Rotational Dynamics: Confused about the tension in this string pulling a mass up an incline
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School How does the front wheel have no friction?
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
4K
Undergrad How Bicycle Wheel Rim weight changes forward acceleration?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School Calculating Stress on Car Motors with 4 Wheels
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Undergrad Friction ON wheels (say a car driving or accelerating)
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
8K
Undergrad I never fully understood gyroscopic precession - toppling gyroscopes
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
Undergrad How Does Changing Mass and Spring Force Affect Watch Oscillators?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
My model of bicycle spokes breaking
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K