Component Fatigue Behaviors And Life Predictions Of A Steering Knuckle Using Finite Element Analysis
The paper describes a vehicle steering knuckle undergoing time-varying loadings during its service life. Fatigue behavior is, therefore, a key consideration in its design and performance evaluation. This paper is aimed to assess fatigue life and compare fatigue performance of steering knuckles made from three materials of different manufacturing processes. These include forged steel, cast aluminum, and cast iron knuckles. In light of the high volume of forged steel vehicle components, the forging process was considered as base for investigation. Static as well as baseline cyclic deformation and fatigue properties were obtained and compared. The paper envisages that in addition, referring a number of load-controlled fatigue component tests conducted for the forged steel and cast aluminum knuckles. Finite element models of the steering knuckles were also analyzed to obtain stress distributions in each component. Based on the results of component testing and finite element analysis, fatigue behaviors of the three materials and manufacturing processes are then compared. The paper concludes with that forged steel knuckle exhibits superior fatigue behavior, compared to the cast iron and cast aluminum knuckles.
Application of Road Simulator Service Loads in Automotive Component Durability Assessment
This paper presents automotive component durability assessment based on road load data acquired using spindle coupled full vehicle road simulator test system. In this study, service loads in terms of response-time history signal was obtained from accredited test track using road load data acquisition. Replication of test track loads to the road simulator was achieved using iterative deconvolution where a portion of Belgian block service load data was selected as desired response signal. Linear estimate of the frequency response function model of the desired response and random simulator actuator signal was obtained using parametric model estimation. This system model is then mathematically inverted and convolved with the desired response time histories to provide simulator drive signal required to produce the response. Durability test in terms of fatigue analysis was later conducted by observing specimen response obtained on the simulator due to the developed drive signal. It is found that the divergences between fatigue life of desired and achieved loads are all within 50%. This study shows that by applying the iterative deconvolution method fatigue sensitive contents of the road load signals can be well produced by the road simulator.
Heritage Sites of Astronomy and Archaeoastronomy in the context of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention: A Thematic Study
"Following the publication of the first ICOMOS–IAU Thematic Study (“TS1”) in 2010, the IAU requested its Working Group on Astronomy and World Heritage to develop particular case studies in greater detail, so as to explore further and clarify some of the key issues highlighted in TS1 that can arise in the particular case of astronomical heritage sites. In doing so, it would further encourage and aid State Parties in the development of nominations. In collaboration with ICOMOS, nine “extended case studies” were duly prepared for discussion at a workshop held at Mount Cook, New Zealand, in June 2012 and presented at the IAU General Assembly in August of that year. 
 
A particularly complex issue is the recognition and protection of dark skies. Dark sky areas cannot in themselves be considered as potential World Heritage Sites, but a thematic chapter by Michel Cotte considers a range of ways in which dark sky values can be interrelated with broader cultural or natural values of a place and thereby contribute to its overall cultural or natural value and potential OUV. Other issues explored in TS2 include the need to balance archaeoastronomical considerations in the context of broader archaeological and cultural values; the potential for serial nominations, for example among groups of monuments whose astronomical significance is only evident from the group as a whole; and management issues such as preserving the integrity of astronomical sightlines through the landscape. 
 
The case studies included in TS2 include seven-stone antas (prehistoric dolmens) in Portugal and Spain, the thirteen towers of Chankillo in Peru, the astronomical timing of irrigation in Oman, Pic du Midi de Bigorre Observatory in France, Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, and Aoraki–Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in New Zealand. A case study on Stonehenge, already a World Heritage Site, focuses on preserving the integrity of the solstitial sightlines." 
 
Source: UNESCO portal to the heritage of astronomy