Multi-axis and cornering stiffness properties of non-pneumatic wheels with symmetric helical honeycomb spokes

Current non-pneumatic wheel (NPW) designs with non-helical honeycomb spokes generally show too high cornering stiffness and thereby rapid saturation of the force, which may lead to inferior handling directional control vehicle, particularly under operating speeds. The design concept NPWs symmetric helical is thus proposed in this paper. Three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) models a NPW configurations different cell helix angles were developed order fundamentally study its multi-axis properties constant normal load. validities 0° angle three demonstrated through comparisons predicted responses results available published studies. 3D simulations conducted two constraints terms identical cell-wall thickness load carrying capacity. suggest that increasing significantly greater in-plane shear could effectively yield higher longitudinal vertical NPW. An increase also causes lower lateral for 15.8° 31.5° resulting from increases out-of-plane compliance spokes, apart notably stiffness, when it increased 30° 45°. thickness, however, shows positive influences on but negative effects stiffness. offer better vehicle performances than current braking/traction characteristics. These are important promoting applications high-speed vehicles.