As I exited my car, I noticed the wheel rim on the car beside me which led to comparing the wheels on other cars as I walked through the parking lot. I was surprised at the differences in design and the artistry. Then I wondered if the design impacts performance. (Observation leads to questions.)
According to my research, the answer is a resounding yes. “The shape, weight, and material of a rim can have a direct impact on vehicle performance. While some designs reduce speed due to increased drag or weight, others can improve acceleration and agility.” NSF News and Tech
The Impact of Wheel Design on Aesthetics and Performance
The Science Behind Car Wheels
Task your students with creating a car wheel design. Begin by walking through a parking lot and observing wheels. Use this assignment to introduce the first phases of the Engineer Design Process – define the problem, research solutions, brainstorm possible solutions, select an approach and create a design (drawing).
Begin with a circle and fold it into fractional parts – fourths, sixths, or eighths. Use rulers, shape templates, protractors or compasses to complete the design.
This STEAM project incorporates many math skills – fractions, geometrical shapes, symmetry, and measurement.
For older engineers, there are also programs on which you can design a wheel rim.
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