Fatigue analysis of an automobile rear axle by using finite element method

Abstract

In this study, stress analysis of a native automobile axle exposed to wheel loads is performed and the location of maximum stresses occurring on the axle is determined. Then, it is controlled whether these stresses exceed the limit values or not. In addition, fatigue life of the axle is calculated under selected loads by using finite element method based fatigue analysis. It is shown that the most critical locations on the axle are the regions near to chassis connection points.