An engineering investigation on the Bronze Age crossbar wheel of Mercurago

In this paper the tools of modern engineering, in particular the laser-scanner acquisition technology and the finite element method, were used to study the structural issues concerning the crossbar Mercurago wheel under the hypothesized operating conditions. Verisimilar explanations of some technical choices, such as the shape and the materials of the members, were obtained; furthermore, the presence of a leather tire was hypothesized on the basis of the rim-soil contact analysis. Finally, the role of the inserted nave was investigated. It was hypothesized that it could have a role similar to modern bushings, thus being a very innovative device for that time.