Abstract
Structural analysis and fatigue tests have been performed to develop design and evaluation technologies of automotive seat frames. Under the back moment loading condition, the numerical simulation unveiled the maximum stress up to the yield strength at the side frame bracket. To measure the stresses under the test condition, strain gauges were attached to some weakest points of the side frames. the measured strains are in good agreements with the CAE results. On the other hand, some fatigue tests have been performed using the side frame bracket specimens made of various welding types to evaluate their durabilities. From the fatigue tests and the numerical analyses, it was recommended that the bracket welding position should be moved upward.
