Accession Number:

ADA151467

Title:

Design and Analysis of Composite Roadwheels for LVTP7 and M113A1

Descriptive Note:

Final rept. 20 May-20 Oct 1983

Corporate Author:

FIBER MATERIALS INC BIDDEFORD ME

Personal Author(s):

• Burgess, Keith
• Pepin, John
• Biddle, Stephen

Report Date:

1984-08-01

Pagination or Media Count:

102.0

Abstract:

Three composite design concepts are presented, a detailed analysis of one concept shows the feasibility of using advanced composites for the construction of LVTP7 and M113A1 roadwheels. The other two potential designs given may offer improved performance through lower internal shear stresses in the structure and lower cost manufacturing. Weight savings of about 30 were achieved with the composite designs. These designs will fit the existing vehicles with no modifications required. While the manufacturing analysis shows that the composite wheels will be more expensive to manufacture than the aluminum wheels using current techniques, production efficiency and experience gained during prototype fabrication may result in a composite roadwheel which is more cost competitive. High production techniques such as injection molding with thermoplastics will not yield a wheel with the required performance or weight savings. Resin transfer molding, compression molding, and autoclave molding do offer some potential for economical manufacture and their merits are discussed.

Descriptors:

• *COMPOSITE MATERIALS
• *ROADWHEELS
• ALUMINUM
• COMPRESSION MOLDING
• DESIGN TO COST
• EFFICIENCY
• FABRICATION
• INJECTION MOLDING
• LOW COSTS
• PRODUCTION
• SHEAR STRESSES
• THERMOPLASTIC RESINS
• WEIGHT REDUCTION

Subject Categories:

• Laminates and Composite Materials
• Surface Transportation and Equipment

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE