Abstract
The fatigue life in wheels was predicted by simulating the experimental method using Finite-Element analysis. Based on a high frequency fatigue property, calculations of the stresses in wheels were performed by simulating the rotating bending fatigue test. Wheels made of an aluminum alloy(A356.2) were tested using a bending fatigue tester. Results from bending fatigue test showed a linear correlation between bending moment and stress amplitude. Consequently, Finite-Element calculations were performed by a linear analysis. In order to find stress-cycles curves, spoke parts of wheel were tested using a rotary bending fatigue tester. Also, highly accurate Finite-Element analysis requires regression lines and confidence intervals from these results. In conclusion, if the fatigue data related to the material and manufacturing procedure are reliable, the prediction on fatigue lift in wheels can be carried out with high accuracy.