Running-in phase of spherical chassis joints—identification of the main influence parameter and implementation in a wear simulation tool

摘要

Spherical joints are used in automotive chassis to connect components. They are used in locations where force transmission and at least two rotational degrees of freedom are required simultaneously. The source of wear in such joints specifically in the running-in phase has been an important question in the automotive industry. In this work, the main cause of running-in wear in a specific type of spherical chassis joint is identified experimentally. To verify this identification, simplified tribological tests are conducted on sample geometries of polyoxymethylene representing contact surfaces in spherical joint. The results are used to develop an algorithm which describes the running-in phase in a wear simulation tool. Material tests for polyoxymethylene are conducted in order to identify the stress–strain behaviour which is then used for non-linear finite element simulations in the implemented algorithm. The simplified tribological experiments are subsequently simulated using the modified wear simulation tool for validation.