Assessment of the accelerator pedal strength under critical load conditions by the finite element method

Abstract

Paper presents the method of forming the boundary conditions of the simulated strength calculation of the mechanical accelerator pedal in the Ansys environment (Transient Structural – for dynamic loading processes; Explicit Dynamics – for impact processes), which is equivalent to full-scale tests under conditions of max loads according to the UNECE Regulations No. 13 (DSTU UN/ECE R 13-09-2002). The next factors affecting the strength indicators (stress and deformation) of the research object were analysed during our scientific investigation: time of loads application with separation into steps; limit values ​​of silumin Yield strength (depending on the workpiece method manufacturing), which affect the safety factor coefficient and the integrity of the foot pedal part; the Ansys simulation test environment (corresponding calculation module); the configuration of the FEA-mesh (tetrahedral / hexahedral mesh).

Appropriate results of the research, conclusions were drawn regarding the strength of the pedal structures with stress / strain maps, as well as the safety factor in the critical areas of the 3D model. The suggested method can be considered suitable for assessing the strength of typical foot pedals and interconvertible with certification tests with setting of the real physical and mechanical material properties of the pedal finite element model. The obtained data are of additional benefit for checking the reaction values ​​transmitted by the pedal through the system of levers to the executive unit – cable of remote control. The proposed approach is not only of practical benefit and financial savings in the design and testing of pedals, but also of scientific interest in view of the assessment of various dynamic processes.

Keywords: UNECE Regulations, strength analysis, maximum loads, floor pedal, finite element method, Ansys, Mises-Hankey theory, von Mises stress.