| abstract |
Abstract of the Disclosure A road wheel for track-laying vehicles having a wear surface exposed to abrasive contact with the track guide lugs, which wear surface is formed by a wear-resistant material embedded in and surrounded by a matrix which forms an integral part of the wheel structure. The wear-resistant material may comprise a lubricant such as fibers, particles and/or bands of graphite, molybdenum disulfide, nylon, Teflon or other self-lubricating plastics which reduce friction between the wheel and track. Alternatively or conjointly, the wear-resistant material may comprise fibers, particles and/or bands of steel, tungsten carbide or ceramic. Where the wheel is of molded con-struction, such as aluminum or fiber-reinforced resin, the wear-resistant material may be molded into position adjacent to and at the wear surface at the time of wheel manufacture. Where the wheel is preformed, the wear-resistant material may be bonded in a separately-formed resin matrix which is then permanently affixed to the road wheel shoulder. |