Integration of life-time simulation and rig tests - Improvement of development times

Analytical simulations are getting more and more important in automotive and other industries. This paper shows how fatigue analysis is used in vehicle development to give a realistic lifetime prediction. The key enabler for reliable fatigue simulations, is proper rig tests. Examples such as a front axle control arm made of rolled steel, a steering knuckle from spheroidal-graphite cast-iron and a cast aluminium engine mount makes the meaning of the rig tests as a basis for life time simulation clear.