AISI 4130 and E250BR alloy steels chassis structural analysis and performance comparison

Abstract

A base frame, also known as a skid and it is one of the most important parts of an automotive vehicle. It is a structural member made up of small cross members and long side members. Frame takes the entire load and vibration of the vehicle, so it should be strong enough. In this paper, the 3D modeling and analysis of ISMC C-section and ISMB I- section is caried out using Creo parametric software as per IS: 808.1989. There are four base frames developed (2 frame with C-section and 2 frames with I-section). E250BR and AISI 4130 alloy steel material are assigned to C and I-section base frames. The base frames are designed for a 40kN load capacity and load is uniformly distributed over the entire span of frame. Bending stress and deflection are calculated analytically as well as using FEA to determine strength of frames. For the deflection calculation, Macaulay’s method is used with both side overhang beams. The flexural rigidity equations are used to find the bending stress. Finally, the comparison of all base frames is done. Result shows that for the same load carrying capacity minimum deflection occur at ISMB I-section base frame. Also, stresses generated in I-section and C-section base frame for both materials are same. Material E250BR perform better than AISI 4130 alloy steel in deformation. So, performance of material E250BR is better than that of AISI 4130 alloy steel.