Full Frame Fatigue Test on Heavy Trucks and their Set up Using Finite Element Simulation

Finite Element simulations using inertia relief (INREL) are commonly used in heavy truck chassis analysis to predict the behavior of proving ground (PG) tests. In this study, INREL is used to develop a test rig called full frame fatigue test (FFFT) by simulating a PG test.

The results of this study are:

1. 1)
   A validated FFFT setup methodology to be used to evaluate future heavy truck frame designs.
2. 2)
   One example to show how the scaling factors for the FFFT are developed through durability simulation to achieve equivalent PG stresses and wheel input forces.