The aim of this paper is to have a realistic simulation to estimate the real test scenario with respect to durability. A bus fatigue analysis results were realized by the Hexagon Studio Vehicle Dynamics Team. The measurements were taken by the test team on the Altoona test ground to provide input for fatigue analysis. The acceleration data were taken from four wheels’ hub. In addition, the reference acceleration data were taken from the midpoint CG (center of gravity) of the vehicle body to compare the characteristics of the vehicle on the Altoona road with the output of the fatigue analysis.
Firstly, the fatigue model must be set up for fatigue analysis. For this analysis, the flexible body was given by durability team. The axle components were assembled to flexible body. The Adams durability model was created.
This processed data of RLD (road load data) provides input to the Adams fatigue analysis. Adams fatigue analysis was run to obtain “. dac” files. “.dac” file formats are used to calculated fatigue life of the mechanical systems. These graphs provide input for the durability team’s prediction for bus usage life. According to the result of the analysis, the acceleration data obtained from the body reference point and the graphs of the acceleration data generated by the Adams analysis show that the analysis simulates the reality very closely.