STATIC ANALYSIS OF FRONT AXLE AND ITS OPTIMIZATION USING COMPOSITE MATERIALS

Automotive axle is a static load carrying structural member. This paper deals with static structural analysis of front axle and its weight and cost optimization using composite material. Front axle of light duty truck has been selected for the case along with suitable static loading conditions. Carbon Epoxy composite and E-glass Epoxy composite were considered initially as replacement of existing AISI 4140 steel material. 3D modeling of front axle design was done in SolidWorks2015 and ANSYS 15.0 was used for FEA and simulation. Results of analysis suggest, Carbon Epoxy composite material as best suitable replacement for existing steel. Carbon Epoxy composite axle design with reduced weight and lower material cost are the focal outcomes of work.