Lightest wheels available? Wheel CAD model?

[JamesCH]

I've got a project at work where I need to design some super light-weight performance wheels. I mean absurdly light. My goal for the project is an 18"x8" wheel that's in the 15lb range.

I'd like to see what the lightest wheels currently available are. Cost is no option here... I want to see magnesium wheels, carbon fiber, solid-forged aluminum, you name it. I want to come up with a bench mark wheel or wheels to design and test against.

So far I've been using the Volk RE30 (16.0lbs, 18"x7.5") and the BBS RGR (18.4lbs, 18"x7.5") as benchmarks/design inspiration.

Also (I'm sure this is a shot in the dark) if anyone has a CAD model of a high-performance wheel in this vein I'd really appreciate it. I'd like to have a solid model of an existing wheel to run through COMSOL to evaluate it for stiffness and durability.

 

[JamesCH]

Came across this:

http://www.carbonfibergear.com/weds-sport-full-carbon-fiber-wheel/

Holy light wheels batman! (they'd look bitchin' on the batmobile too...) I don't think any homogeneous metal wheel will even come close to 6lbs in the larger wheel sizes, but I do see durability problems with a CF.

 

[8.5MS3]

enkei rpf1s are light

magnesium and carbon fiber will yeild lightest wheel materials, but will be rediculously expensive

 

[JamesCH]

Cost is no object for this project, we're talking $50k-$100k to get a prototype wheel made, and someone else is paying (cabpatch)

 

[8.5MS3]

Cost is no object for this project, we're talking $50k-$100k to get a prototype wheel made, and someone else is paying (cabpatch)

i can has wheels when done?

https://www.speedforsale.com/nissangtrparts/dymag-dymag-carbon-magnesium-wheels-p-942.html

20x11 magnesium wheels - 20lbs each

http://www.dymag.com/

give em a call

 

[zx2man]

Have you looked into using a Scandium-aluminum mixture? this process is used on super light weight smith&wesson firearms and when the 2 compounds are alloyed together its 3 times stronger that titaniuma also alot lighter...that might be another option...Magnesium Alloy AZ91 is 20% stronger than Aluminum and also much lighter..it is also high heat resistant..theres alot of options out there for you...good luck no matter what...Id love to see the wheels when your done..maybe a friendly discount lol

 

[JamesCH]

I've never heard of an aluminum-scandium alloy before, but that does look interesting, according to http://www.scandium.org/Sc-Al.html it has a yield strength over 640MPa, which is exception for any aluminum alloy, over twice as strong as "aircraft grade 6061T6" (it really pisses me off when products claim this, 6061 isn't a very strong aluminum alloy, 2024 and 7075 can both be stronger).

As for three times stronger than titanium... well... yes it is stronger than low-grade pure titanium which is around 200MPa YS. Two of the materials I'm considering are Ti-6-4 (alpha-beta titanium alloy, great for casting) or a beta alloy like Ti-8823 (great for forging) heat-treated yield strengths of 1100MPa and over 1600MPa respectively.

I probably should have mentioned that this project is for a titanium mill, so I kinda have to use titanium... hehe. Still, interesting ideas, I like it.

 

[oaklandopen]

i would say use spider silk and petrified mini marshmallows

anyway, wouldn't most of the weight reduction come from the design of the wheel in addition to the material? ie more arcs than sharp angles, or more spokes that use less material than less spokes that need more material for strength?

im no engineer, just throwing out my 10th grade physics knowledge, or whatever you want to call it

 

[Shadow102]

all 18x8

Enkei RPF-1 - 18.0lbs

Kosei K1 TS - 17.0-17.2lbs

OZ Alleggerita HLT - 17.2-18.4lbs

SSR Type C-RS - 17.5lbs

 

[Shadow102]

also you can go on wheelweights.net huge database of aftermarket wheels and weights

 

[meicalnissyen]

watch w much you "reimagine" someone elses design

 

[JamesCH]

anyway, wouldn't most of the weight reduction come from the design of the wheel in addition to the material? ie more arcs than sharp angles, or more spokes that use less material than less spokes that need more material for strength?

Yes, in the preliminary designs I've worked on so far I've taken cues from Volk, BBS, and OZ wheel designs, but adjusted the dimensions, number of spokes, etc for titanium's properties.

Right now my best 18x8 design has 10 spokes and weighs about 14.8lbs. I have only used simple hand calculations to make the design equivalent to a high-end forged aluminum wheel. I'm going to start running some finite element tests tomorrow to see if it'll work or if I'm just full of crap.

I've only been at this for a week, so we'll see what happens. I appreciate everyone's input!

 

[voiceKoil]

Came across this:

http://www.carbonfibergear.com/weds-sport-full-carbon-fiber-wheel/

Holy light wheels batman! (they'd look bitchin' on the batmobile too...) I don't think any homogeneous metal wheel will even come close to 6lbs in the larger wheel sizes, but I do see durability problems with a CF.

HOly $hit wedssports makin those, I used to have a crush on Sa-70's, those look sweet

 

[jeff4880]

Black Stone Tek has been making carbonfiber motorcycle wheels for years now. They are VERY light and strong.

 

[Shadow102]

Black Stone Tek has been making carbonfiber motorcycle wheels for years now. They are VERY light and strong.

And about 4k for the set...not my bike but a friend of a guy i work with, Yamaha R1 made to look like a replice R7 race bike.