Design and Analysis of Composite Roadwheels for LVTP7 and M113A1
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.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA151467
Entities
People
- John Pepin
- Keith Burgess
- Stephen Biddle