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International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management

A Peer-Reviewed, Open-Access International Journal Supporting Multidisciplinary Research, Digital Publishing Standards, DOI Registration, and Academic Indexing.
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ISSN: 3108-1754 (Online)
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ISO Certification: 9001:2015
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License: CC BY 4.0
Peer Review: Double Blind
Volume 02, Issue 05

Published on: May 2026

STRUCTURAL AND FATIGUE ANALYSIS OF STEERING KNUCKLE UNDER MULTI-AXIAL LOADING

Pavana B S Sanna Mare Gowda Praveen D N

Lohitesh Jaga Kumar

Dept. of Mechanical Engineering Akshaya Institute of Technology Tumku

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Plagiarism Passed Peer Reviewed Open Access

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Abstract

The steering knuckle is a critical load-bearing component in automotive suspension systems, subjected to complex multi-axial loading conditions arising from braking, cornering, and road irregularities. In this study, a comprehensive structural and fatigue analysis of a steering knuckle is performed using finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate its durability under realistic service conditions. A detailed three-dimensional model was developed using CAD software and analyzed in ANSYS Workbench. Three candidate materials—Aluminum Alloy 7075-T6, Forged Steel AISI 4140 (QT), and Stainless Steel AISI 304—were comparatively evaluated under identical boundary and loading conditions. Static structural analysis was conducted to determine deformation, equivalent stress, and strain, while fatigue analysis was carried out using the stress–life (S–N) approach under fully reversed loading conditions. The results indicate that maximum von Mises stress (56.77 MPa) remains significantly below yield limits for all materials. Aluminum exhibited the highest deformation (0.33076 mm), whereas AISI 4140 showed superior stiffness (0.1133 mm) and fatigue resistance. Fatigue analysis revealed life exceeding 10610^6106 cycles with negligible damage (D < 1) and safety factors greater than 2 for all materials. The study concludes that AISI 4140 provides optimal strength and durability, Aluminum 7075-T6 offers weight reduction with acceptable performance, and Stainless Steel 304 ensures corrosion resistance with moderate strength. The proposed framework provides a reliable methodology for durability-based design and material selection of automotive suspension components.

 Keywords:

Steering knuckle, Multi-axial loading, Fatigue analysis, Finite element analysis, S–N curve, Automotive suspension, Material comparison

How to Cite this Paper

S, P. B., Gowda, S. M. & N, P. D. (2026). Structural and Fatigue Analysis of Steering Knuckle under Multi-Axial Loading. International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management, <i>02</i>(05). https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i5.590

S, Pavana, et al.. "Structural and Fatigue Analysis of Steering Knuckle under Multi-Axial Loading." International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management, vol. 02, no. 05, 2026, pp. . doi:https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i5.590.

S, Pavana,Sanna Gowda, and Praveen N. "Structural and Fatigue Analysis of Steering Knuckle under Multi-Axial Loading." International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management 02, no. 05 (2026). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.55041/ijcope.v2i5.590.

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References

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  • Peer Review Type: Double-Blind Peer Review
  • Published on: May 19 2026
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