Simulation Environment for Fatigue Analysis of Car Wheel Rim under Radial Fatigue Test

Abstract

The importance of the wheels for the car is clear. The wheels with mounted tyres have to carry the vehicle weight and to handle with the steering system, providing the cushioning effect. The automobile wheel must be strong enough to perform the above functions supporting static and dynamic loads. Durability design and analysis is an essential element in achieving the men-tioned requirements and involves a multi-disciplinary approach. If it is designed a new wheel rim, the prototype should be passing the radial and cornering fati-gue test. This paper presents the simulation environment for car wheel rim un-der radial fatigue test with the purpose to evaluate the wheel rim strength. This paper reviews, also, some modern durability philosophies and the computer based tools available to meet the needs of design, test and development engi-neers.