DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF A STEERING KNUCKLE COMPONENT FOR AN OFF-ROAD VEHICLE

Steering Knuckle is a non-standard component linking the suspension,
steering & braking systems and the wheel hub to the chassis of a vehicle. This
study aims to redesign the steering knuckle in order to reduce the weight
while retaining a satisfactory safety factor for better performance of the
vehicle. A two-step process has been used for the same. First step is modeling
the knuckle as per the structural considerations and design constraints set
by suspension, steering and brake assemblies & determination of loads acting
on the knuckle. The second step is stress analysis using finite element
software and design adjustments for reducing weight without compromising
on the structural strength. According to the analysis results, material can be
added to parts that are subjected to higher stress than the safety factor
permits. Material can also be removed from low stress areas, thus, helping to
reduce the component weight.