MODELING, SIMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION ANALYSIS OF STEERING KNUCKLE COMPONENT FOR RACE CAR
Light weight and low fuel consumption are the two main demands for a vehicle, particularly for a race car. Steering knuckle, as one of the critical components of a race car, is the main subject in the present study. A light weight and optimized design of steering knuckle is proposed to be used for an EIMARace race car; a small high-performance formula-style car, with suitable material selection as well as valid finite element analysis and optimization studies. First part of this study involves modeling of steering knuckles and analysis of the stresses and displacement under actual load conditions. A CAD and FEA software; SolidWorks, is applied for modeling as well as for static analysis studies. Shape optimization is the second part of this study, utilizing solid Thinking software from Altair Engineering packages. The improved design obtained had achieved 45.8% reduction of mass while meeting the strength requirement.
Design and Analysis of Steering Knuckle Component
The Steering Knuckle component is the most important part of vehicle which is connected to front wheel with the help of suspension system, wheel hub and these are also connected to steering system and brake to the chassis. The Steering Knuckle component provides motion to desire directions with the help of steering system. It undergoes various types of varying load under different conditions. In Automobile industry low fuel consumption and light weight are the two main demands for the vehicle because the lighter steering knuckle resulting greater power and less vibration because of inertia is less. In this Paper we have done static analysis of steering knuckle component. The design of Steering Knuckle component is done with the help of Computer Aided Engineering (CAE). Steering Knuckle model is prepare in Creo(Pro-E) 2.0 and the static analysis is done in ANSYS WORKBENCH15.0 by constraining the steering knuckle and applying load on steering knuckle due to caliper mounting, longitudinal reaction, vertical reaction, vehicle weight and steering reaction. In this we have focused on optimizing the best use of material for the steering knuckle component and compare it, made from two material i.e. Cast Iron and Mild Steel which is recently using, and Forge Steel EN 47 which is suggested material. This result is verified by comparing with analytical calculations. Considering these results, model is modified.
STRUCTURAL FATIGUE TESTS OF AUTOMOBILE COMPONENTS UNDER CONSTANT AMPLITUDE LOADINGS. IN: FATIGUE LIFE: ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
This paper presents fatigue strength evaluations of various structural components of automobiles under constant amplitude loadings with a closed loop servohydraulic structural fatigue testing machine. Structural fatigue tests of rear axle housings of automobiles were performed. Acceptance criteria for the axle housing were decided by the actual proving ground running test and statistical analysis of results. Durability evaluations of axle housings for 8-ton trucks were conducted. The weak spot of axle housings was the heat affected zone in weldment. Torsional fatigue tests on a turbocharged diesel engine crankshaft were performed. Most cracks initiate at the oil hole and propagate along the maximum tensile stress planes. Fatigue strength evaluations of automobile components were also performed for their structural reliability in service. The constant amplitude fatigue testing method is quickest when a proper acceptance criterion is decided or known.