Load spectrum compilation for vehicle road simulation test by applying a new time domain threshold editing method

Abstract

Vehicle road simulation test can simulate random service load spectrum fairly well in laboratory, and is currently a preferable way to fast verify vehicle fatigue properties. Applying a reasonable load spectrum editing technique is a crucial way to accelerate the test and reduce testing time and costs. The present study deals with the generation of test load spectrum for vehicle road simulation test by applying a load spectrum two-dimension time-domain-threshold editing method (STTE) to delete useless load-time segments with negligible fatigue damage to vehicle components. Additionally, a method of load spectrum connection by applying window function was proposed to smoothly connect retained load-time segments when the useless segments were deleted. Taking a vehicle four-post bench test as an example, the process of load spectra generation was discussed in detail. The generated accelerated spectra were reduced to 33% in length relative to the original spectra. The accelerated spectra showed good consistency with the original spectra in terms of amplitude and frequency characteristics. Finally, the accelerated spectra were applied as target spectra to conduct four-post bench test, and good load spectra simulation effect was realized. Therefore, the accelerated spectra can be served as a substitute of the original spectra to conduct the test. To conclude, the proposed load spectra generation methods are suggested as an alternative technique in automotive fatigue data editing.