Spoke wheels act like a suspension because of their unique design and the properties of the materials used. Here’s how they contribute to suspension-like behavior:
1. Flexibility of Spokes:
Material: Spokes are typically made from steel or other materials that have a degree of flexibility due to their high ductility and tensile strength.
Function: When the wheel encounters a bump or uneven surface, the spokes can flex slightly. This flexibility absorbs some of the impact, reducing the force transmitted to the rest of the vehicle, the forces absorbed gets converted into heat and dissipates.
2. Tensile Stress:
Spokes are under constant tension. When a wheel hits an obstacle, the force is distributed across multiple spokes. Some spokes experience increased tension, while others relax slightly, helping to dissipate the impact energy.
This distribution of forces helps in absorbing shocks and smoothing out the ride.
3. Hub and Rim Dynamics:
The hub (center of the wheel) is connected to the rim (outer part of the wheel) via the spokes. The interaction between the hub, rim, and spokes allows for slight movements and adjustments when force is applied.
This dynamic relationship helps the wheel to deform temporarily under stress, acting as a shock absorber.
4. Energy Dissipation:
Spokes can convert some of the kinetic energy from an impact into heat and minor deformations. This energy dissipation reduces the amount of force that reaches the rider or vehicle, functioning similarly to how a suspension system absorbs shocks.
5. Durability and Resilience:
Spoke wheels can endure and recover from significant impacts without permanent deformation, thanks to their design. They flex to absorb shocks and return to their original shape, providing a cushioning effect. However if someone faces issues like permanent deformation or snapped spoke those can also be fixed at a wheel balancing shop.
