Modal properties of honeycomb wheels: A parametric analysis using response surface method

Abstract

Three-dimensional finite element (FE) models of a honeycomb non-pneumatic wheel (NPW) with three different spokes configurations of varying cell angles were developed in ABAQUS software in order to investigate its modal properties under a given normal load. The validity of these wheel models was confirmed through comparisons of predicted wheel responses with available data in published studies for similar wheel material properties and components dimensions. The important vibration modes affecting the wheel responses were initially identified together with the important design factors affecting the modal properties. Response surface models relating the natural frequency of each chosen influential vibration mode with its important design factors and the two-factor interactions were subsequently developed utilizing the results of FE simulations corresponding to design points of the screening design and the experimental design based on central composite design (CCD) approach. These regression models showed good fitting accuracy of the natural frequencies obtained in CCDs together with relatively satisfactory prediction ability over the design region considered. The resulting regression models are thus considered to serve as a design guidance for realizing desired wheel modal properties. The results derived from parametric studies showed that natural frequencies of identified in-plane and out-of-plane vibration modes are significantly affected by design parameters of the spokes. These include the initial elastic modulus and thickness of the honeycomb cell-wall and the cell angle. Most of the identified vibration modes are also strongly influenced by the thickness dimensions of the core layer and the tread, while their initial elastic moduli revealed considerable effects only on the wheel Hop and Twist modes.