SMDI Updates Bar Steel Fatigue Database

The Long Products Market Development Group (LPMDG; Livonia, MI) of the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), has announced the fifth update of its online Bar Steel Fatigue Database. The total publically available grade / process combinations are now at 134 iterations, which can be found online at the Bar Steel Fatigue Database. SMDI is a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI; Washington, DC).

The database provides critical grades and heat treatment combinations for safety critical components of vehicles. As automakers and suppliers use Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to work on next-generation vehicles, they require accurate, reliable bar steel fatigue data. The data in the database has been acquired using a sophisticated strain-controlled method, which provides better, more accurate and detailed component fatigue life predictions than the rudimentary stress-life method.

“We work with our end-use customers to determine the material and heat treatment combinations,” said David Anderson, the senior director of the long products program for SMDI. “By providing optimal predictability for parts, designers and engineers can design better parts, resulting in long term reliability and durability for a vehicle.”

These components are found in the areas of the vehicles where performance is critical and reliable strain-controlled, axial fatigue testing data are required to optimize the part design. Engines are prime targets for performance improvement and boosting efficiency through the use of steel connecting rods, crankshafts and valves. Steering systems offer durable and reliable performance at a low cost, making steel the preferred material for rack and pinion systems. In transmission systems, steel concentrates on reducing package size and mass, while improving power density and/ or torque output.

The Bar Steel Fatigue Database is for use by members of the LPMDG and design engineers in the ground vehicle industry. It was developed using the same strain-controlled methods to provide engineers with the tools to optimize critical powertrain and chassis component designs. The database was developed under the guidance of representatives from the steel and ground vehicle industries. The data will be immediately available to members and will open up for the general public in two years. Interested individuals can sign up by clicking here.

The Bar Steel Fatigue Database Project Team is comprised of three LPMDG member companies and eight companies from the ground vehicle industry, including:

• American Axle & Manufacturing
• Caterpillar Inc.
• Cummins Inc.
• Dana Holding Corporation
• Eaton Corporation
• Gerdau
• FCA US LLC
• General Motors Corporation
• Meritor
• Nucor Corporation
• TimkenSteel

Through the support of the Steel Market Development Institute, the Long Products Market Development Group strives to grow the market for value-added steel bar and rod products. Formed in 1997, the LPMDG’s work is managed by automotive/ heavy equipment and construction / infrastructure members.

The LPMDG is committed to developing innovative solutions to the challenges facing their clients and the steel industry, while advocating for the use of steel as the material of choice for ground vehicle, construction and other broad-based markets.

www.autosteel.org