Modeling analysis and lightweight design for an axle hub considering stress and fatigue life

Sci Prog. 2020 Jul-Sep;103(3):36850420929930. doi: 10.1177/0036850420929930.

Abstract

The lightweight of axle hub has been recognized as a typical representative of reducing the quality of vehicles for energy saving and emission reduction. Therefore, a modeling analysis and lightweight design based on ANSYS for axle hub is proposed. Firstly, design dimensions and structural parameters of axle hub are modeled. The hub model is imported into workbench software to simulate the static analysis. The stress and deformation of the axle hub are obtained by mesh element division, boundary condition constraints and loading conditions, and the modal and fatigue strength of the hub are simulated to obtain the modal natural frequency and life data. Then, from the point of view of reducing the quality and safety of the hub, the structure of the hub is changed, the model is compared again, and the lightweight design scheme can be obtained. The results show that the weight of a hub decreases by 5.537% after lightening. This method can improve the structure, save materials, reduce production costs, and shorten the design cycle. This lightweight design method has important reference and practical significance for the lightweight design of axle wheels and similar products.

Keywords: ANSYS; Lightweight design; energy conservation; fatigue life; stress.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Engineering
  • Motor Vehicles*
  • Stress, Mechanical*