The durability of safety-critical automotive vehicle steel structures is significantly influenced by the condition of the component's cut-edge properties. The importance of the edges in structural durability lies in the fact that they are the regions that frequently become the preferred initiation sites for fatigue cracks, which over time can lead to catastrophic structural failure. From the perspective of validating the design of automotive structures, Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) life predictions are made using smooth cut-edge data, while mass produced components are mechanically blanked. The current work outlines the development of an improved CAE life prediction method based on strain life fatigue data of S355MC steel cut-edges, a process that has been validated using a bespoke laboratory test component representative of those in automotive chassis and suspension assemblies. The resulting best method of predicting fatigue lives of vehicle components can allow automotive designers to increase their reliance on CAE life predictions rather than carrying out extensive physical laboratory testing. This can significantly decrease the time it takes to validate new structures and to facilitate the rapid deployment of new lighter gauge high strength steels to the automotive vehicle sector.
展开▼
