Abstract
Steering module is a part of automotive suspension system which provides a means for an accurate vehicle placement and stability control. Components such as steering knuckle are subjected to fatigue failures due to cyclic loads arising from various driving conditions. This paper intends to give a description of a method used in the fatigue life reliability evaluation of the knuckle used in a passenger car steering system. An accurate representation of Belgian pave service loads in terms of response-time history signal was obtained from accredited test track using road load data acquisition. The acquired service load data was replicated on durability test rig and the SN method was used to estimate the fatigue life. A Pearson system was developed to evaluate the predicted fatigue life reliability by considering the variations in material properties. Considering random loads experiences by the steering knuckle, it is found that shortest life appears to be in the vertical load direction with the lowest fatigue life reliability between 14000–16000 cycles. Taking into account the inconsistency of the material properties, the proposed method is capable of providing the probability of failure of mass-produced parts.
Highlights
The steering knuckle is a part of the vehicle’s steering and suspension system which undergoes time-varying loading during its service life
This paper will focus on McPherson strut steering knuckle which is mainly used in the steering system of the front-wheel drive vehicles
The fatigue life of the steering knuckle is predicted for a passenger car and the predicted fatigue life reliability is evaluated by considering the variations in material properties
Summary
The steering knuckle is a part of the vehicle’s steering and suspension system which undergoes time-varying loading during its service life This system provides a means whereby driver can place his vehicle accurately where he wants it to be on the road. This system means in keeping the vehicle stable on course regardless of irregularities in the surface over which the vehicle is travelling. This paper will focus on McPherson strut steering knuckle which is mainly used in the steering system of the front-wheel drive vehicles. In this study, driving a vehicle over Belgian pave applies cyclic loads to the steering knuckle through the strut mount, ball joint and steering tie rod
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