Non-invasive method of car wheel rim examination

摘要

This paper presents the concept of a non-invasive method to determine the technical state of passenger car wheel rims. The method consists of a series of vibration and dimension measurement on a rim mounted in a diagnostic station. The measurements are taken on four positions of the rim of rotation versus constant excitation point angular position. The wheel rim's natural frequencies distribution versus time and rotation angle are examined as diagnostic tool of rim fit for use classification from materials fatigue point of view. These characteristics are also inspected to determine the condition of joints of rim elements and to identify the cracks or loss of integrity in the wheel rim structure. The wheel rim dimensions as a series of specific diameters are examined for wheel rim radial run-out and for axial run-out. The proposed method was evaluated for a new and worn out rims. Performed experiments show that the natural frequency-values of rim, the damping factor of natural rim vibration and rim diameters course grouped in a spider chart allows an effective visual classification of car rim fit for use.