Stress Reduction

The design team used finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate the stresses in the drive wheel and reduce stress concentrations at critical joints.

The FEA analysis showed that the joints where the six heavy spokes link up to the hub and to the outer rim are all critical areas.

The fillet at those junctions was increased to a ½" radius to reduce the stress concentration and to improve the strength of the wheel.

All other corners and edges were radiused or filleted to 60 mils.

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