Wheel

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In its fundamental form, a wheel is a circular segment of robust material that features a bored hole at its core through which an axle rotates smoothly when a force is applied by gravity or torque to the wheel around its axis, making it one of the six fundamental machines. When positioned vertically beneath a load-bearing platform, the wheel turning on its horizontal axis enables the transportation of heavy loads; when placed horizontally, the wheel rotating on its vertical axis allows for control over spinning motions used to shape materials (e.g., a potter's wheel). When mounted on a column connected to a rudder or chassis supported by other wheels, one can manipulate the direction of a vessel or vehicle (e.g., a ship's wheel or steering wheel); when linked to a crank or engine, a wheel can store, release, or transmit energy (e.g., the flywheel).