Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering | 2021
Comparison of Static and Harmonic Response of Structural Steel and Aluminium Alloy Automotive Shock Absorbers
Abstract
In this study, two different materials, i.e. structural steel and aluminium alloy 6061, are used as potential shock absorber materials, and their performance is calculated using FEA analysis. The stresses, deformations, fatigue life and vibrational analysis of both the shock absorbers are compared. It is concluded from this study that the shock absorber made of structural steel shows excellent stress resistance even at heavy loads and the fatigue life of steel is higher than that of shock absorber made of aluminium. However, both the materials show approximately equal vibrations when the loading is applied. The study suggests that both these materials can be used in the shock absorber. However, because of high strength and high fatigue life characteristics, shock absorber made of structural steel should be preferred over shock absorber made of aluminium.