Advanced System Level Durability Analysis, Prediction, and Optimization

Impact Technologies, with direct support from our commercialization partner General Dynamics Land Systems, propose the development and integration of a suite of life prediction modules that can perform durability and fatigue analysis of ground vehicle subsystem assemblies comprised of multiple, highly interactive components. The proposed program addresses a current TARDEC need for more accurate and integrated component/subassembly life prediction technologies that address both corrosion and thermal mechanical fatigue that can be used from the design stage all the way through to field support activities. The key aspects of this component integration and reliability prediction “roll-up” concept are the individual component life analysis modules, probabilistic analysis with uncertainly management and model updating, subsystem interaction models and the necessary framework that can analyze a defined hierarchy of components for assessing overall subsystem reliability. An additional module addressing optimization of component design and assembly parameters such as pre-loads, tolerances and coatings will also be delivered that provides understanding of their individual contributions to overall fatigue life. Impact will leverage its experience with ground vehicle suspension/propulsion systems, corrosion fatigue modeling, DADS vehicle level dynamics modeling, structural NASTRAN/ANSYS modeling and relationship with GDLS, to create the integrated probabilistic fatigue life modules. The modules will be developed and validated within the Matlab/Simulnk™ environment with interfaces to the TARDEC computing environment and GDLS computing clusters. Furthermore, the proposed modeling and analysis modules will be verified for accuracy using durability test data sources provided by GDLS based on the ABRAMS suspension system subassemblies proposed for the case study.