Non-invasive method of rim of car wheel examination

This paper presents the concept of a non-invasive method to determine technical status of wheel rim state, used in passenger cars,. The research procedure includes an analysis of the wheel rim frequency spectrum in a trial at a diagnostic station, which involves applying vibration forces with specific parameters on the wheel rim. The distribution of the wheel rim’s natural frequencies in rotation angle and unbalanced value with its positioning and radial run-out and axial run-out for the wheel rim bead in relation to the wheel disc centring hole on the internal and external wheel rim surfaces, are established based on the analysis and calculations. These parameters also serve to determine the condition of joints (fusion-welded, pressure-welded, etc.) and to identify the cracks or loss of integrity in the wheel rim structure. Therefore, proposed method is essential for new and used wheel rims quality control.

Authors and contribution

A. Rychlik - performed investigations, propose method and create the laboratory set-up for measurement
M. Borecki - performed analysis of results and provide feedback of investigations