I just had a vision of a set of 4 R32 wheels rolling along the production line and the rest of the car being built around them. Sorry you just put this absurd idea in my head and I thought it was funny enough to share!
A little of topic I know, and Im no metal expert, but isnt an alloy a mixture of two different metals? So what do they make alloy wheels out of? I know the expensive lightweight "Mag" ones used in racing are magnesium.
Actually, the alloy will probably be stronger than the steel. It's not just a weight consideration issue for alloy wheels, metal alloys 'generally' have better 'strength' than normal steel although hardness may suffer, as in you could dent it easier, a la rockwell hardness test. There is always a trade off for alloys but if they are well made with a good alloy there is no reason why they wouldn't have a relative strength that outweighs steel. Dave
PeeJay - Alloys can consist of loads of different metals and even non metals (e.g silicon used to strengthen Aluminium) or just two. Dave - Agreed. Loads of new alloys out there that still aren't used much commercially. Lotus dabbled with MMCs on the Elise but had too many problems - Did my degree (Materials Engineering) on them and used Dave Minter's (ex Lotus, now working on a super car) research to help - He was very helpful. Forgotten the rest now!
How strong the wheels are depends on the design as well as the material, most steels are fairly solid and prob stronger than 'spokey' alloys. Yeh, An alloy is a mix of two metals, alloy wheels are generally Aluminium alloy. Steel is Iron alloy and stronger than aluminium. Some aluminium alloys have a better strength to weight ratio than steel, these are not the alloys used on most road cars though.
Ah - But steel is not two metals. It's Iron and Carbon. Properties vary massively on the Carbon content and structure. You can add other elements to make it stainless (chromium I think - Can't remember!), or alter other properties. I'm dull and talking about stuff I can barely remember (but spent three years studying) so will now shut up.
Utter chimp! (sorry ). Steel is mostly Iron & Carbon, but it also has Chrome, Vanadium, Magnesium, Copper and Nickel depending on the grade and type, no steel is just Iron & Carbon, even Carbon Steel as found in knives. back off girls, I'm taken
Do'nt think I would want my alloys made out of magnesium.. blow out...FLASH.... alloy disapears in a cloud of dust!!!
