Application of High-Strength Steel Sheets for Automotive Wheels

Forming and welding considerations to be taken into account when automotive wheels are to be made from high-strength steel sheets, and limits to the gage reduction that can be achieved by the use of high-strength steels are described. Dynamic deflection is proposed as an index of wheel durability. It is made clear that the fatigue life N_f of wheels can be expressed by N_f ∝σ_B ×t_d 2.58 ∼ 3.83 (σ_B and t_d are the tensile strength and thickness of the disc steel, respectively) and that dual-phase steels offer excellent durability for strength.