Abstract
For a cast Aluminum knuckle, the analytical results for a virtual prototype were verified by comparing the numerical estimates with multiaxial test results. Numerical analyses were performed based on stress-life and strain-life approaches.
In particular, the strain-life analysis used a load-notch strain simulation developed by Köttgen/Barkey/Socie [1]. Different approaches are compared against each other and to the test results. The effects of finite element discretization are also shown. Four separate crack initiation sites were predicted, which were verified in the test. The predicted fatigue life was within a factor of 1.5 of the test results.