Research on Mechanical Performance Analysis and Structural Modification of Longitudinal Thrust Rod

Abstract

To research the mechanical performance and vibration modes of current longitudinal thrust rod of rear axle, the finite element model of original thrust rod is established and analyzed with NASTRAN codes. The simulation results demonstrate: the maximum stress of original thrust rod of dump truck is in the limit of the yield strength of material, which satisfies with the design requirements; the first step modal frequency of the component under free conditions is greater than upper limits value of the excited frequency of roads, which can evade the resonance excited by irregular roads. But there is structural stress concentration area in the thrust rod, so the structure of thrust rod is modified to ameliorate the stress state of this area. The maximum structural stress is reduced by 35.1% on the basis of reduction by 4.7% in total weight, which indicates the modification improves the mechanical and modal performance greatly. The research above has significant reference values for mechanical performance analysis and lightweight design of complicated automotive components.