Why are wheels made circular?
2 Answers
The reasons for making wheels circular are: 1. Circular wheels can reduce friction with the ground during driving, improving acceleration and enhancing vehicle efficiency; 2. During movement, the radius of circular wheels remains constant, ensuring smoother vehicle operation. The functions of wheels include: 1. Supporting the entire vehicle's weight; 2. Transmitting traction, braking force, driving torque, and braking torque; 3. Cushioning and absorbing impacts and vibrations caused by uneven road surfaces; 4. Enhancing the adhesion between the wheels and the ground; 5. Protecting vehicle components from severe vibrations and damage; 6. Adapting to the high-speed performance of vehicles and reducing driving noise; 7. Ensuring driving safety, handling stability, comfort, and energy efficiency.
I've always been curious why wheels are round. From a physics perspective, it minimizes frictional resistance, making vehicle rolling easier. For example, if wheels were square or triangular, the contact points with the ground would constantly change, causing bumps and increasing resistance. In contrast, every point on a circle is equidistant from the center, allowing weight to be evenly distributed during rolling, reducing tire wear, and improving fuel efficiency. This is particularly noticeable at high speeds, where smooth rotation absorbs shocks, enhancing overall comfort. Ancient people discovered this early on—round logs roll objects more easily than flat ones, demonstrating that circles naturally suit movement needs. In fact, on rough terrain, round wheels also prevent jamming, saving energy. For me, every time I drive, I feel the stability brought by the circular shape, which optimizes mechanical performance.
