Search Results

Fatigue defect and failure of rubber element widely used in mechanical systems could seriously affect the safety and reliability of systems in practical operation. Because rubber element is considered as hyperelastic material, traditional σ - N curve which is usually used in metal material for fatigue life analysis can not be used here. The fatigue life of rubber bushing in automobile engine cradle was analyzed by using the energy method. The Yeoh model coefficients were given by tensile test of natural rubber, and the estimating formula for fatigue life of natural rubber was obtained by finite element calculation and fatigue test. Maximum strain energy density was treated as the parameter of fatigue damage, then the rubber bushing fatigue life was calculated by the estimating formula. The results were verified by test of rubber bushing, which indicated that the model mentioned in this paper is accuracy enough.

The statement of the engine shake problem is presented through comparing the quarter vehicle models with the rigid-connected and flexible-connected powertrain which is supported on the body by a rubber mount. Then the model is extended by replacing the rubber mount as a hydraulic engine mount (HEM) with regard to the inertia and resistance of the fluid within the inertia track. Based on these, a full vehicle model with 14 degree of freedoms (DOFs) is proposed to calculate the engine shake, which consists of 6 of the powertrain, 1 of the fluid within the inertia track of the HEM, 3 of the car body and 4 of the unsprung mass. Simulation analysis based on the proposed model is implemented, through which the conclusion is drawn that the HEM has great influence on the body and seat track response subjected to front wheel inputs, compared with the rubber mount.

The effects of biodiesel on the swelling of the elastomers and plastics and the corrosion of metals are studied by the immersion tests. The results indicate that biodiesels make little corrosion effect on aluminum, steel and little swelling impact on plastics, but a significant corrosion may be taken place on cooper and brass for some sourced biodiesels. For nitrile-butadiene rubber, the variation of swelling properties in biodiesels is slightly higher than that in diesel. For the non-diesel-resistant elatomers, the variation of swelling properties is lower than those in diesel. The production process and biodiesel source have an influence on the result of elastomer swelling and corrosion. The relationship between the impact of biodiesel on materials and biodiesels properties are also discussed.

A series connection of the KVBC (Kelvin-Voigt and Bouc-wen) theoretical model of rubber bush in automobile suspension is established. The numerical calculation model is also developed through Matlab/simulation and 9 parameters are identified. Experiments are conducted on the rubber bush on a bench for dynamic and static characteristics and to supply appropriate and reliable data for parameter identification. Based on this, preload and temperature are taken into consideration in an ordinary KVBC model as two important additional factors. As a result, it leads to developing a novel model with new parameter identification, which is validated under different conditions. This new modeling method of rubber bush has three advantages. First, it shows improved accuracy for solving non-linear problems in a multi-body calculation, which is useful for researchers and vehicle engineers.

With the rapid development of computing technology, high-speed photography system and image processing recently, in order to meet growing dynamic mechanical engineering problems demand, a brief description of advances in recent research which solved some key problems of dynamic photo-elastic method will be given, including:(1) New digital dynamic photo-elastic instrument was developed. Multi-spark discharge light source was replaced by laser light source which was a high intensity light source continuous and real-time. Multiple cameras shooting system was replaced by high-speed photography system. The whole system device was controlled by software. The image optimization collection was realized and a strong guarantee was provided for digital image processing. (2)The static and dynamic photo-elastic materials were explored. The new formula and process of the dynamic photo-elastic model materials will be introduced. The silicon rubber mold was used without the release agent.