Design and Fabrication of a test rig for endurance testing of Automobile Axles

Abstract

The project is focused on the design and fabrication of an axle testing machine that is able to perform four tests on two types of axles (two tests per axle type). These tests include two types of tests (i) torsion testing of axle (ii) bending testing of axle. The two tests are performed for two different types of axles of a tractor. The bending tests also require the axle to be rotated while the loading is being applied. Machine uses a combination of hydraulic actuators to apply the loading from Loading Assembly on the axles that are held firmly by Holding Assembly at the other end. The loading and unloading is controlled by a hydraulic bench that contains the hydraulic tank and all the necessary directional and safety valves. The factor of safety was observed and catered at every design and manufacturing stage of the testing rig leaving minute or no chances of errors. The machine is solely designed for the design conditions given by Hybrid Engineering. However, the machine can be customized for different sizes and cycles of axle with minimal changes