Finite Element Model Validation and Testing of an Off-Road Vehicle under Dynamic Loading Conditions

<p>In the vehicle design life cycle, validation tests consume a significant portion of the available development time. With a short, one-year design cycle, the Embry-Riddle Baja Team leverages computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools to simulate critical test cases whose loading conditions can be accurately represented by a series of static loads and constraints. Using these conditions, a Finite Element Model (FEM) can be employed to accurately predict the effects of the loading conditions in the components. During the initial design of the front suspension, one major load case was determined to be the main failure load. However, after validation testing the suspension exhibited a failure indicative of a load path not predicted. To obtain a more complete understanding of the dynamic loading conditions on the affected component, instrumentation was implemented to measure strain in the critical member. A dynamic vehicle test case was performed to measure a high-frequency, high-load case representative of an event during the vehicle service life. The measurement was then utilized to validate a Finite Element Model, in turn used to re-design the member. This component withstands the loading condition for infinite fatigue life without increasing the overall weight of the design, although the failure was not reproduced during testing.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - Open Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Year

2019

Author dc:creator

• Cunningham, MacKenzie Susan

• finite element model
• validation
• off-road vehicle
• dynamic loading
• Mechanical Engineering
• Navigation, Guidance, Control, and Dynamics

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.erau.edu/edt/444

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.erau.edu:edt-1444