A wheel disc comprises a wheel mounting portion defining a wheel axis, a plurality of spokes radially extending from the wheel mounting portion, and a rim junction on at least one spoke of the plurality of spokes. The rim junction is at an end of the at least one spoke opposite the wheel mounting portion. A first portion of the rim junction extends in an axial direction. Second and third portions of the rim junction extend in a circumferential direction. The axial direction is parallel to the wheel axis and the circumferential direction is in a plane perpendicular to the wheel axis.

A heat shield for an aircraft wheel assembly is made of a heat shield material evenly distributed across the heat shield along both the circumferential and the axial directions. The heat shield material has a high thermal conductivity greater than 30 W/mK. In various embodiments, the thermal conductivity is greater than 85 W/mK. In this manner, thermal flux is maximized throughout the heat shield to distribute heat evenly across the heat shield in both circumferential and axial directions.

The present disclosure provides Al—Si—Mg aluminum alloys comprising a deliberate addition of Mn between 0.05-0.40 weight percent to increase at least one tensile property (such as the yield strength) of an aluminum product comprising such alloy. The Al—Si—Mg alloy comprises, in weight percent, 5-9% Si, 0.35-0.75% Mg, 0.05-0.4% Mn, less than 0.15% Fe, up to 0.15% Ti, 0.005-0.03% Sr and the balance being aluminum and unavoidable impurities, wherein the unavoidable impurities may be present in an amount of up to 0.05% each and up to 0.15% total. The present disclosure provides a foundry ingot comprising the above Al—Si—Mg aluminum alloy, a process for making the above Al—Si—Mg aluminum alloy and an aluminum alloy obtainable by said process.

The present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a corrosion resistant wheel adapted for securement to a vehicle and/or trailer, including the steps of: providing a wheel body, mechanically abrading and/or chemically etching at least one surface of the wheel body, applying a primary anticorrosion composition, forming a primary anticorrosion layer, applying a secondary anticorrosion composition, and forming a secondary anticorrosion layer, applying a tertiary anticorrosion composition, and forming a tertiary anticorrosion layer.

The present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a corrosion resistant wheel adapted for securement to a vehicle and/or trailer, including the steps of: providing a wheel body, mechanically abrading and/or chemically etching at least one surface of the wheel body, applying a primary anticorrosion composition, forming a primary anticorrosion layer, applying a secondary anticorrosion composition, and forming a secondary anticorrosion layer, applying a tertiary anticorrosion composition, and forming a tertiary anticorrosion layer.

A wind-diverting apparatus for minimally shielding only the faster-moving drag-sensitive uppermost wheel surfaces from headwinds reduces overall vehicle drag. The apparatus includes various upper wheel fairings of FIGS. 1-6. Each fairing shields a primary vehicle-drag-inducing upper wheel surface from headwinds otherwise impinging directly thereon.

A retainer for a segmented annular heat shield of a wheel includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end. Both the first end and the second end are configured to be coupled to at least one of the wheel and a torque bar. Further, the body includes opposing longitudinal sides configured to respectively engage and secure a respective heat shield segment of the segmented annular heat shield. Also, the retainer includes a cover coupled to and extending over at least the body, with an air gap being defined between the body and the cover.

A retainer for a segmented annular heat shield of a wheel includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a body extending between the first end and the second end. Both the first end and the second end are configured to be coupled to at least one of the wheel and a torque bar. Further, the body includes opposing longitudinal sides configured to respectively engage and secure a respective heat shield segment of the segmented annular heat shield. Also, the retainer includes a cover coupled to and extending over at least the body, with an air gap being defined between the body and the cover.

Vehicle wheels, methods of making vehicle wheels, and dual wheel assemblies are provided. The vehicle wheel includes a generally cylindrical first region and a second region extending radially inwardly from the first region. The second region includes a first surface, a second surface, an opening, and a hub surface. A distance from the first surface to the second surface defines a thickness. The opening is configured to receive at least a portion of a hub of the vehicle axle. The hub surface is adjacent to and surrounds the opening and extends from the first surface to the second surface. The hub surface includes a generally flat portion and a relief portion adjacent to at least one of the first surface and the second surface. The relief portion surrounds the opening and extends along the hub surface for a distance of at least 25% of the thickness.

An electrical passenger car, the electrical passenger car including: at least two electrically driven motors; motor control electronics; sensors; and wheels, where the wheels include a first wheel and a second wheel, where the second wheel has a radius at least 7% greater than a radius of the first wheel, and where the motor control electronics control the at least two electrically driven motors to provide a greater torque to the second wheel than to the first wheel.