Study of Style wheel rim failure Due to Rim and disc assembly interference
2026-26-0541
To be published on 01/16/2026
- Content
- This study focuses on the investigation of wheel rim failures near weld zone during repeated cornering induced by interference between the rim and disc during the wheel manufacturing assembly process. Strain gauges were employed to capture real-time stress and strain distributions at critical zones during interference fitting. The experimental results revealed that improper interference levels lead to significant stress concentrations, often surpassing the material's elastic limit, initiating micro-crack formation and promoting fatigue failure. Detailed strain analysis indicated that both radial and axial stresses contribute to long-term structural degradation. The study highlights the critical role of dimensional tolerances, surface finishes, and assembly forces in minimizing stress-induced failures. Recommendations are provided for optimizing design and assembly practices to enhance the durability and reliability of automotive wheels.
- Citation
- P, P., DEsigan, L., K, C., and C, S., "Study of Style wheel rim failure Due to Rim and disc assembly interference," SAE Technical Paper 2026-26-0541, 2026, .