INSIGHT INTO DEVELOPING DURABLE ENGINEERING DESIGNS FROM AN AUTOMOTIVE PERSPECTIVE

摘要

Designed and developed in Australia, built in Thailand, South Africa and Argentina, and sold in over 100 countries, the Ford Ranger is an example of a truly international product. This paper outlines some of the considerations in making the product durable enough for the global market, particularly the collection and application of ‘road load data’ (RLD) in the design and product development process. The definition of load profiles is essential to conducting detailed mechanical strength and fatigue life design refinement, whether the component in question is an automobile frame, a harvester steering link, wagon coupling, mill roll shaft or a steam turbine blade.