Title: Fatigue life prediction of leaf springs in automotive vehicles using CAE tools

Authors: Vinkel Arora; Gian Bhushan; M.L. Aggarwal

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, ITM University, Sector-23A, Guragaon-122017, Haryana, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, R No. 2, Kurukshetra-136019, Haryana, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, YMCA University of Science & Technology, # 111, Faridabad-121006, Haryana, India

Abstract: Today, the technologies in leaf springs are changing gradually; therefore, new tools are required to keep aligned with worldwide technological requirement. CAE tools are widely used in the automotive industries. The predictive capability of CAE tools has progressed to the point where, physical prototype testing is not required. The objective of the present study is to provide a CAE solution to determine the stresses and deflection under static loading condition. The authors have also reported the CAE solution (using f-fatigue) where the fatigue life of leaf spring has been determined under fluctuating loads. The experiments have been conducted on 65Si7 conventional leaf springs used by TATA Motors. The experimental results have been compared with CAE results. These results are also validated with the SAE, analytical and graphical approach. It was observed that CAE approach provides fatigue life results within 6%-7% and can be alternate of experimental and analytical approach.

Keywords: computer aided engineering; CAE; leaf springs; 65Si7; static loading; fatigue life prediction; stress; deflection; static loading; automotive springs; automobile industry.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAET.2014.063119

International Journal of Computer Aided Engineering and Technology, 2014 Vol.6 No.3, pp.271 - 292

Received: 29 Jan 2013
Accepted: 29 May 2013
Published online: 26 Jul 2014 *

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