Process Development for Evaluation of Vibration Fatigue Applied to Automotive Heat Exchangers

Mechanical fatigue is an essential phenomenon that occurs when the structures are exposed to dynamic, fluctuating loadings. Especially automotive components are regularly exposed to random vibration loadings. Vibration fatigue failures may arise even in components that meet static requirements and are stable and robust, because of dynamic and fluctuating loadings. The primary focus of this study is the research of the vibration fatigue. Hence, in addition to the analyses, the tests are conducted. In order to study the analyses and tests, aluminum cross-section beams are designed and manufactured. The notched sections added to the beam geometry to acquire a more distinct fatigue life compared to other parts of the beams. The results obtained from the experimental tests are used to correlate the effect of notch parameters on fatigue life.