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Old 01-11-2022, 10:19 AM   #25
Spuds
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Ok, here's the advantages/disadvantages of each.

Steel
-is 3lb each heavier in this application. More unsprung weight (well, mass) is generally bad because it increases the vertical momentum of the wheel when it goes over bumps and such
-has a fatigue limit, meaning it can be designed to last literally for ever. No amount of force oscillation within the stress limit will cause fatigue if designed this way.
-is typically stronger than aluminum at key points that cannot be changed, such as interfaces to other components. Aluminum parts usually have different designs than their steel counterparts to make up for lower strength. However, things like holes and threads used to attach other parts have to be the same between both materials
-is cheaper

Aluminum
-is 3lb lighter
-can be designed to be as strong and stiff as a steel part, usually with less total mass (though slightly greater volume) as seen above
-has no fatigue limit, meaning the part will become less strong/stiff over time and eventually fail, regardless of design.
-is weaker than steel at key interface points.
-costs more
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