Study on the Response of Elastic Wheel to Excitation

This paper conducts a comprehensive comparison of the vibrational responses of elastic wheels and standard wheels under various excitation conditions. The investigation focuses on a frequency range spanning from 500 to 3750[Formula: see text]Hz, within which we observe that the radial modes of the elastic wheel tend to be relatively concentrated. This concentration can have significant implications for the performance and stability of the wheel during operation. One of the key findings of this study is that the mobility of the elastic wheel is notably higher than that of the standard wheel. This increased mobility is a double-edged sword; while it may enhance the wheel’s ability to adapt to varying loads and road conditions, it also predisposes the elastic wheel to higher levels of rim vibration. Such vibrations can lead to potential issues in terms of ride comfort. The frequency spectrum beyond 3750[Formula: see text]Hz, a marked difference in vibration levels between the two types of wheels becomes apparent. In this higher frequency range, the vibration levels experienced by the elastic wheel are several orders of magnitude lower than those of the standard wheel. This significant reduction in vibration can primarily be attributed to the unique properties of the rubber layer in the elastic wheel design. The rubber material acts as a crucial dampening agent, efficiently dissipating vibration energy that would otherwise contribute to increased noise and structural fatigue.