Cornering force and wheel / bolt strength. | FerrariChat

Cornering force and wheel / bolt strength.

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by Skindiver, Dec 28, 2004.

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  1. Skindiver

    Skindiver Karting

    Apr 22, 2004
    203
    JHB SA.
    Full Name:
    Greg
    What lateral force does a wheel endure at the bolts / holes, in a hard corner at the limit of lateral adhesion ?
    Obviously the wider the wheel, the more rubber and the more grip and the more lateral force exerted on the centre of the wheel at the bolt holes. This maximum force may be compounded at the bolt holes through "lever action" over the radius of the wheel too and will vary depending on the surface of the roadway. I imagine the force will disipate some once the tyre starts sliding and be at its highest the moments before sliding.

    Lets use for example a 255 x 35 tyre, on a 18" wheel mounted on the rear of a 328 in "90 degree" oversteer, or 225 x 45 x 18" in "90 degree" understeer in the fronts.
    Assume a dry roadway with very very good grip.


    To what extent does this force challenge the wheel bolts or studs or even the magnesium of the wheel especially at the bolt holes ie trying to tear the bolts through the wheel or snap the heads off the bolts ?

    What is the minimum thickness of magnesium between the bolt head and the hub and the minimum thickness of bolt that would be required to keep the wheel bolts from snapping off or tearing through the rim and folding under the car ?

    I have steel inserts ( splined to the outside) pressed into my wheel bolt holes. The shop says they are pressed in with 4 tonnes of force. Are they to be trusted with the expected maximum lateral forces acting on the wheels ?

    Has anyone ever seen bolts snap off, or tear through the wheel in a hard corner ?
    On a standardly shod 328 which would be the weakest point ? Bolt shanks, bolt threads or the magnesium bolt holes ?

    Its going to take a bit of engineering experience, science and maths, but i know someone out there is up to these calculations :)

    Skin.
     
  2. GTO84

    GTO84 Formula Junior

    Dec 13, 2003
    566
    Good question. Ive heard about a lot of wheels breaking, not lugs.
     
  3. FourCam

    FourCam Formula Junior

    May 19, 2004
    409
    Loveland CO
    Full Name:
    Cameron MacArthur
    While I am certainly no certified expert, here are some thoughts on the subject. A few years ago I was playing around with vintage formula Atlantic cars which ran 14" wide slicks on the rear and 10" on the front. I, too, was concerned with the strength of wheels and wheel studs. With just a little elementary math, my fears were put to rest. First, figure what the maximum lateral G force can be with your car. Then start thinking about the strength of the material the wheel bolts or studs are made of, the total area of the bolt, and the maximum weight exerted on those bolts or studs at the maximum cornering G force. I would bet that the strength of the bolts far exceeds any force you can generate through cornering, and would only cause the bolts/studs to fail if you strike a curb or other solid object directly side-ways. Wheels may be another matter, as the casting, forging or stamping and materials used vary greatly. This is where I would be very careful. However, all bets on the bolts/studs are off if they have been "over-torqued" to near their yield strength and then put in a comprimising situation on the street or track. Hopefully, someone with more race experience can further break down these ideas for you in terms of experience with some of the wheels presently available...
     
  4. Smiles

    Smiles F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Nov 20, 2003
    16,673
    Pittsburgh, PA
    Full Name:
    Matt F
    Get a copy of Carroll Smith's Nuts, Bolts and Fasteners and Plumbing Handbook. It's fantastic.
     

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