COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF AL AND MG ALLOY WHEEL RIM

Abstract

In any vehicle, wheel rim is a part which has to bear a continuous high stress. Conventionally used steel rim may subject to torsional and bending loads. A wheel rim should be able to withstand high amount of stress and should have less weight. These factors of cost, weight and performance are the main focus points of the manufacturers now days. There is a continuous searching among the manufacturers for component with lighter weight and higher performance. The lighter weight of the rim and wheels enables better handling, grip and reduce the overall mass of the vehicle which further reduced the fuel consumption. Conventionally steel is being used as a wheel rim material. From an implementation point of view any other alloy material can be used.
Magnesium has many problems to use, it is vulnerable to pitting, deterioration, cracking and it is also flammable, hence would start to break down in just a few months. Magnesium is used for flares and early flash lamps. Magnesium in bulk is hard to ignite but, once lit, is very hard to extinguish, being able to burn under water or in carbon dioxide, which are common extinguishing materials. Tires that caught fire could soon ignite the magnesium, creating difficulties for fire responders. Magnesium wheels required constant maintenance to keep polished. Apart from these issue Mg cost is much higher than any other alloy wheel material.