Simulation study of static and fatigue behaviour on a bogie frame using mesh-free and conventional FEM

This research is devoted to study the simulation of fatigue behaviour for bogie frames using the finite element method (FEM) and mesh-free. The bogie frame is the main structure that supports repeated loads from external forces on the railway car. This study used Altair SimSolid for static and fatigue analyses with a mesh-free method while Altair HyperLife simulated the fatigue analysis using meshed finite element methods (FEM) supported by Altair Hyperworks for static analysis results. This research adopted this method because traditional models for calculating fatigue life have limitations that can lead to inaccuracies and unreliability. Cyclic loading is applied to the frame for simulating real-life conditions and determining its fatigue life. The frame is made of low-carbon steel and subjected to two vertical force loads of 196.2 kN, each supported by four fixed points at the bogie frame's ends. The Von Mises stress values obtained for the frame are 20.71 MPa for the FEM and 19.138 MPa for the mesh-free method. According to the fatigue life analysis, Altair HyperLife and Altair SimSolid yield fatigue life value for channel scale one, and channel scale 15 yields 100E cycles. A red contour shows the presence of damage.