ABSTRACT
In this study an elastomer wishbone bush was designed and developed to fulfil a specific durability test requirement. A number of design alternatives was analysed and developed using a finite element technique. During the design iterations it is aimed to reduce the maximum strain values and internal friction forces to enhance the durability performance of the elastomer bush (Results of final iteration was shown in this study). After the design phase, a number of prototypes was produced and tested according to the durability test requirement which was set by the end customer. According to the durability test results, it was seen that the elastomer bush survived approximately 1,1 million cycles (target is 1 million cycles) in the durability test. Considering the former bush design could only reach approximately 100K cycles, the new design is a complete success.
Keywords: Elastomer bush, finite element technique, durability, wishbone
2
Mar