The Optimization Study of Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) by Finite Element Analysis of Car Wheels in Automotive Industry Using Solidworks® Simulation Software

The purpose of this research study was the mechanical properties of Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) used to produce car wheels using Finite Element Analysis and compared the properties of PEEK with the current materials used in automotive industry. This study was aimed to reduce a vehicle's weight and cost, which can significantly reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. A lighter car consumes less fuel because it needs to overcome less inertia, reducing the power required to move the vehicle. Besides, a vehicle will not only be reduced in weight due to lighter material is used but, also have an ability to withstand force and lower deformation as good as a metal. Therefore, this research would be using PEEK as a material for the car wheel rim in replacing the current materials used in our automotive industry. By following the standard measurement ISO 9001 with the design from Bavarian Motor Works (BMW), the model would be created by using SolidWorks® software and the analysis of stress and displacement is determined by using the SolidWorks® simulation. Five different force were applied to the car wheel rim model by referring to current journal studies and the results of maximum stress and displacement were tabulated. Moreover, the results would be compared with other current materials used in automotive industry which are Steel, Aluminium Alloy and Magnesium Alloy.