Computer aided numerical damage analysis of the axle shaft

Abstract

Today, while transportation is constantly moving forward, costs are increasing. The aim is to obtain light structures that are suitable in terms of weight, sufficient in strength, and to save materials and energy. Axles are not only used in transport vehicles, but also in buses, automobiles and forklifts. Axles must be of a reliable structure due to their place of use. The external effects that the axles are generally exposed to are the applied loads. In this study, the mechanical damage analysis of the axle shaft and the characteristic changes in steel materials as a result of static loading were investigated numerically. In order to observe the mechanical behavior of the axle shaft under various loading conditions, mechanical tests should be supported by numerical analysis. Because the physical causes of damage development can be understood through numerical analysis. The aim of our study is to reach the most suitable values in the design of the variables with the optimization technique of the axle shaft made of AISI 1035 steel. Optimum values were obtained by performing numerical analyzes of the axle shaft designed with Solidworks program. As a result of the analysis, it was observed that deformation occurred at the ends of the axle.