Quantitative Methods for Steering Knuckle Material Selection

Abstract

The paper gives a description of the material selection process for a steering knuckle of a passenger vehicle's independent suspension system, by using two quantitative methods of material selection: Weighted Property Method and Limits on Property Method. After the definition of property requirements that potential materials must meet, digital-logic method has been applied in order to calculate the weighting factors of said properties. The material selection process included the application of Cambridge Engineering Selector for the analysis of diagrams and property values of potential materials. The obtained results indicate that the Weighted Property Method leads to the conclusion that the optimal steering knuckle material is low alloy steel 25CrMo4, while the Limits on Property Method shows that aluminum alloy AlZn5.5MgCu T6 is the optimal material.

Development of the Low-Pressure Die Casting Process for an Aluminium Alloy Part

“…In the automotive manufacturing context, the fabrication of steering knuckles is performed through two primary methodologies: forging and casting. Notably, castings are prone to the presence of blowholes, which are deleterious in terms of fatigue resistance and overall durability, with forging providing overall more structurally robust components [ 6 , 7 ].…”

“…For the material selection, due to the previously mentioned mechanical requirements, the typically used materials in the production of steering knuckles are low/medium carbon steels, low-alloy steels, ductile cast iron, and aluminium alloys, with the optimal material selection depending on the specific conditions the steering knuckle is expected to endure [ 6 ]. Nowadays most industries are pushing to increase the usage of aluminium alloys as the material of choice, due to their characteristic low weight and consequent ability to offer a possible reduction in fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions [ 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

“…For the material selection, due to the previously mentioned mechanical requirements, the typically used materials in the production of steering knuckles are low/medium carbon steels, low-alloy steels, ductile cast iron, and aluminium alloys, with the optimal material selection depending on the specific conditions the steering knuckle is expected to endure [6].…”

“…Nowadays most industries are pushing to increase the usage of aluminium alloys as the material of choice, due to their characteristic low weight and consequent ability to offer a possible reduction in fuel consumption and CO 2 emissions [6][7][8].…”