Methodology for effective design evaluation and durability approval of car suspension components

In this paper the criteria and the requirements for the approval of the service strength and the durability of vital car suspension components are treated. The overview of the main influences on the fatigue life is given and the methodology for the design evaluation and a reliable time and cost saving development, including durability approval, are described. These include: (I.) Description of representative, customer related loading; (II) Procedure for design evaluation based on customer usage; (III.) Corresponding test programs for durability approval including the requirements for statistical validation and quality assurance of manufacturing. On two examples - a wheel and a suspension arm - the procedure including individual steps is explained.