Fatigue life prediction of driving axle based on virtual prototype technology

Abstract

Virtual fatigue prototype technology is used to get the stress distribution in a computer simulation environment based on CAD, finite element method and multi-body system dynamics software. According to these stresses, the random load applied to the structure and the corresponding material characteristic curve, the fatigue life of real structure can be predicted. Visualization methods for structural virtual fatigue life and fatigue design based on virtual prototype are introduced. The dynamic simulation analysis is performed for a certain driving axle; furthermore, finite element analysis and virtual fatigue life prediction are performed for driving axle housing. The virtual fatigue prediction and the real test agree with each other in results, thus providing the necessary calculation basis for the reliability design of the driving axle, even that of other products.