Prediction of the Fatigue Life of the AISI 1513 Carbon Steel Lower Arm Based on Strain-Life Approach

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to predict the fatigue life of a lower arm as a vehicle is driven on a straight and turn roads. The measurement of strain signals was carried out by attaching a strain gauge to the left lower arm and driving it with an acceleration of 30 km/h. According to the results, the lowest fatigue life was obtained just as the vehicle turned clockwise, which was 2.6E+6 cycles to failure. This value was lower by 123% and 1,862% than it was driven straight and counter-clockwise. Similarity, when the vehicle turned to the right, the lower arm on the left side received a higher strain, contributing to a shorter fatigue life.

Automotive suspension component behaviors driven on flat and rough road surfaces

“…Based on the results, the coil spring was produced using the SAE 5160 carbon steel, while the lower arm was produced using the AISI 1513 carbon steel. These materials are generally used for the car suspension components' fabrication [ 17 , 34 ]. The mechanical properties of the materials are shown in Table 2 .…”

“…The components' failure was attributed to the residual stresses that negatively affected their durability [ 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Previously, the fatigue life prediction was completed based on strain signals obtained from a coil spring [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ] and a lower arm [ 16 , 17 ] separately. Therefore, this study aims to predict fatigue life in both components simultaneously to examine the reaction of each when being used on various road surfaces.…”