Technical Paper
Predicting Fatigue Life of Axle Components: A Unique Modeling Approach
2020-04-14
2020-01-0606
Loss of lubrication within an axle assembly due to the formation of through-thickness cracks in structural components can result in severe durability issues for the internal parts (gears, splines, bearings, etc.). One such example of a structural crack resulting in lubrication leakage can be observed in the cover pan of a Salisbury axle that has been subjected to cyclic fore-aft loading conditions (which are intended to replicate the loads acting on the axle during vehicle acceleration or deceleration). Investigation of the cover pan crack locations was performed using Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) and indicated the formation and propagation of multiple cracks adjacent to the cover pan bolt holes.