Page 173 - Finite Element Analysis with ANSYS Workbench

164 Chapter 8 Failure Analysis

maximum principal stress occurs at the outer surface connecting
between the pin tube and axial bar of the rod.

The computed stress is the used to estimate the life
span of the rod. The predicted life in form of the loading cycles is
shown in the figure. Result indicates that the location of maximum
stress has the shortest life span.

Since the ANSYS files are available from the book
website, users may alter the boundary conditions by changing
magnitude and direction of the applied force. This will increase
understanding of the solution behaviors. Such understanding may
lead to shape modification of the piston rod. The modified rod
shape with lower stress will increase its life span.