Development of a Computerized Electrodynamic Resonant Fatigue Test Machine and Its Applications to Automotive Components

Component fatigue test is extremely time-consuming and costly. In order to get more reliable test results in a shorter period, a computerized electrodynamic resonant fatigue test machine, named PDC model, has been developed and applied to automotive component tests at Dong Feng Motor Co. Ltd. It can be divided into two major parts: a mechanical resonant rig and a computerized electronic control system. In this paper the structure and working principle of the machine is described, the characteristic of the resonant system is analyzed and the load calibration method of the machine is also dealt with. In addition to bending fatigue test of crankshaft □ the typical applications of the PDC are torsional and bending-torsional complex fatigue tests of crankshaft, torsional fatigue test of small bars and standard material specimen, bending fatigue test of semi-axle sleeve and compressive fatigue test for valve spring. Measurement and practical application have shown that the PDC test machine does offer a lot of advantages, including high accuracy, high efficiency, full automation and low energy consumption.