MAXIMISING THE FATIGUE DURABILITY OF DOWN-GAUGED HIGH STRENGTH STEEL STRUCTURES

摘要

The use of high strength steels in automotive components is steadily increasing as automotive designers use such steel to improve structural performance, reduce vehicle weight and improve crash management. The manufacture of automotive components such as suspension arms, engine mounting assemblies and chassis members involves both press-forming and welding operations. These operations ultimately dictate the fatigue life of the component due to the stress concentrations that they introduce. Fatigue studies have been carried out to determine the effect that fusion welds, and punched holes, can have on the fatigue performance of automotive components. Methods for improving the fatigue performance of fusion welded steel have been assessed and testing techniques using vehicle simulation drive files are also discussed.