Experimental validation of the U* index theory for load transfer analysis. (2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pejhan, Khashayar; Wang, Qingguo; Wu, Christine Q.; Telichev, Igor
• Is Part Of: International journal of heavy vehicle systems. Volume 24:Number 3(2017)
• Page Start: 288
• Page End: 304
• Publication Date: 2017
• Subjects: U* index -- load path -- load transfer -- internal stiffness; Motor vehicles -- Design and construction -- Periodicals; Commercial vehicles -- Design and construction -- Periodicals; Motor vehicles -- Design and construction; Periodicals; 629.224
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-232X

Abstract

Engineering structures are designed to transfer external loads to their supports. Therefore, it is necessary to study the pattern of load transfer. The U* index method has been introduced to follow the load path in the structure. The U* value at each point corresponds to its significance in the load carrying process. The U* index theory has been used as a new design approach in lightweight vehicle structures but there has not been any experimental validation of this theory. In this study, two experiments are presented to show that the U* index is a true indicator of load transfer in the structure and areas with higher U* index values indeed carry more load. The results also prove the insensitivity of the U* index to stress concentrations. This study presents the first experimental validation of the U* index theory which is important to this new approach for light-weight vehicle structural design.