This paper concerns the fatigue analysis of coupling devices for motor vehicles and their trailers, as well as their attachment systems to these vehicles. The basic guidelines of DIRECTIVE 94/20/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 30 May 1994 relating to the mechanical coupling devices of motor vehicles and their trailers and their attachment to these vehicles are presented. Basic issues related to material fatigue and the finite element method (FEM) are discussed. A geometric model of a ball coupling used in Skoda Octavia 5D cars produced from 1996 to 05.2004 and estate models produced from 1998 onwards was developed. Numerical static and fatigue resistance analyses were performed.The obtained results are presented in the form of drawings and charts. In accordance with DIRECTIVE 94/20/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 30 May 1994, coupling devices for motor vehicles and their trailers and their attachment systems to these vehicles must have EEC type-approval [2]. (…)
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Source: Logistyka Magazine