Interpolation Engine for Elastomeric Fatigue Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fatigue analysis methods, such as finite element analysis (FEA), are not suitable for elastomeric components due to their macromolecular structure and material nonlinearities, leading to inefficient durability assessment and potential failure prediction in rubber components like bushings and tire treads, which require specialized analysis methods.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that analyze time-varying load data signals using finite element analysis and interpolation engines to efficiently obtain strain and stress histories at potential failure locations in elastomeric components, accounting for nonlinear behavior and material kinematics, allowing for damage calculation and fatigue life prediction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional finite element analysis (FEA) is used for elastomeric components, then analysis can be performed, but the analysis is inefficient and inaccurate due to material nonlinearities and macromolecular structure of rubber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous road load signal into representative cycles and further divides the analysis into discrete case vectors. By identifying and analyzing only the critical representative cycles rather than the entire lengthy signal, the method achieves accurate fatigue life prediction while significantly improving analysis efficiency for elastomeric components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the analysis approach by changing parameters from conventional linear FEA to a method that accounts for material nonlinearities and kinematic nonlinearities specific to elastomeric materials. This parameter change enables accurate prediction of fatigue life by properly modeling the macromolecular structure behavior of rubber under cyclic loading.
2Reliability
If full road load signal is used for FEA of rubber components, then complete strain history is obtained, but the analysis becomes too time-consuming and computationally expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential representative cycles from the complete road load signal. By taking out and analyzing only these critical cycles that contribute most to fatigue damage, the method maintains reliable damage calculation accuracy while dramatically reducing the time required for analysis of elastomeric components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing FEA on the entire road load signal, the patent applies partial action by analyzing only a selected subset of representative cycles. This partial analysis approach provides sufficient accuracy for fatigue life prediction without the excessive time cost of analyzing the complete signal.
3Reliability
If trial-and-error iterations are used to develop durable elastomeric components, then durability issues can be identified, but the development process becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary fatigue analysis during the design phase by analyzing representative cycles from road load signals. This preliminary action identifies potential durability issues before physical prototypes are manufactured, allowing designers to optimize elastomeric components for durability while reducing the need for expensive trial-and-error iterations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for analyzing fatigue life of an elastomeric component includes a step of conducting a finite element analysis to obtain a base state. A plurality of case vectors are then selected to represent a space of possible loading states that occur within a time-varying load data signal based on measurement of the elastomeric component or vehicle dynamics. For at least a portion of the case vectors, a finite element analysis is conducted at a plurality of discrete gridpoints along the case vectors starting at the base state and tracking the case vector. Using an interpolation engine, desired local solution variables for a current state may be interpolated from the finite element analysis at the plurality of discrete gridpoints. A damage calculation may then be calculated based on the desired local solution variables for the current state.