An improved energy prediction method to predict the fatigue life of laminated rubber-alloy spherical thrust elastomeric bearing under multiaxial loads. Issue 6 (31st December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yi, Jianlei; Jin, Kunjian; Qin, Haiying; Cui, Yuhong
• Is Part Of: Engineering computations. Volume 38:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 2692
• Page End: 2712
• Publication Date: 2020-12-31
• Subjects: Fatigue life -- Prediction model -- Finite element calculation -- Spherical thrust elastomeric bearing; Computer-aided engineering -- Periodicals; Computer graphics -- Periodicals; 620.00285
• DOI: 10.1108/EC-03-2020-0165
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-4401

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: An ideal method for predicting the fatigue life of spherical thrust elastomeric bearings has not been reported, thus far. This paper aims to present a method for predicting the fatigue life of laminated rubber spherical thrust elastomeric bearings. Design/methodology/approach: First, the mechanical properties of standard rubber samples were tested; the axial stiffness, cocking stiffness, torsional stiffness and fatigue life of several full-size spherical thrust elastomeric bearings were tested. Then, the stiffness results were calculated using the neo-Hookean, Mooney–Rivlin and Yoeh models. Using a modified Mooney–Rivlin constitutive model, this paper proposes an improved method for fatigue life prediction, which considers the laminated characteristics of a spherical thrust elastomeric bearing and loads of multiple multi-axle conditions. Findings: The Mooney–Rivlin model could accurately describe the stiffness characteristics of the spherical thrust elastomeric bearings. A comparative analysis of experimental results shows that the model can effectively predict the life of a spherical thrust elastomeric bearing within its range of use and the prediction error is within 20%. Originality/value: The fatigue parameters of elastomeric bearings under multiaxial loads were fitted and corrected using experimental data and an accurate and effective multiaxial fatigue-life prediction expression was obtained. Finally, the software was redeveloped to improve the flexibility and efficiency of modeling and calculation.