Comparison of Hardness and Microstructure of Cast Wheel and Spoke Wheel Rims of Motorcycles Made of Aluminum Alloy Alloy

Abstract

The rim is one of the main components in a motorized vehicle system, both two and three wheels. Rim loads when used are dynamic and often even shock. This study aims to study the mechanical characteristics, especially the hardness properties of spoke wheel rims and cast wheel rims made of aluminum alloy used in motorcycles and compare the results. Hardness testing is carried out on the spoke wheel and cast wheel specimens, using the Rockwell method with an identifier of 1/16 ball and a spectrometer used for both microstructure observations. The result of the average hardness test for the spoke wheel is HRB 99.3, while for the cast wheel is HRB 76.5. From the hardness test, it can be concluded that the hardness of the spoke wheel type is higher than the cast wheel type due to the difference in the manufacturing process. Cast wheel rims can withstand a load of 3 tons (30000 N) and the value of rim tension that can be accepted until the fracture is 45.84 MPa. Meanwhile, spoke wheel rims have the ability to withstand smaller compressive loads than cast wheel rims, which are 2 tonnes (20000 N) and the rims can accept the stress of 66.04 MPa until they break.