The use of the analytical wheel model for evaluating structural properties of a wheel design is an obvious application that may have more uses than the truing algorithm.
The goal of this application is to evaluate stiffness in various directions, buckling spoke tension, maximum and minimum tension in the spokes, and maximum deflection under normal and limiting case loads. The wheel can be analyzed with different combinations of tension, spoke diameters, spoke lacing patterns, hubs, and rims. The wheel is an interconnected structure in which all components and loads affect one another. Human intuition about the structural mechanics fails us in figuring out how one change will affect the wheel as a whole. The resulting myth and false information about what different designs achieve for the rider leads to poor designs. This tool allows some quantitative measures of wheel's properties. Exploration of the parameter space replaces intuition with real science.
Some changes have to be made to add the capability for external loading to the wheel. We have added point loads representing externally applied radial, axial and azimuthal loads. Combinations of these loads can simulate virtually any riding condition. The radial load represents the vertical load of the wheel against the road. The axial load is a side load from turning or rocking the wheel. Azimuthal load is the load from pedaling or braking. The model assumes mechanical equilibrium and computes the reaction loads for the externally applied loads.
We have designed the calculation so that a number of values can be entered for a parameter or load so that the outputs may be plotted as a function of the range of inputs.
In its present form, the code exists as a Matlab program. I have not uploaded it to the Mathworks because I still hope to commercialize it. Proposals on creating an app are welcome.
