Fatigue life analysis of the actuator based on co-simulation

This paper utilizes the co-simulation technology with Motion and AMESim to build the co-simulation life model of a mechanical system and a hydraulic system of an actuator. In the life model, the time-varying oil pressure in the chamber is considered to describe the working condition of the actuator. First, we analyze main failure mechanisms of the actuator system to obtain weaknesses which affects the working life of the actuator system, and list the corresponding deterioration mechanisms and sensitive loads. After that, we use AMESim to build a one-dimensional hydraulic system model, Motion and ANSYS to build a rigid-flexible coupling model of the mechanical system. By integrating this two models, the life simulation platform of the actuator with multiple mechanisms and stresses is built. Meanwhile, the time-varying curve of the oil pressure is obtained. Finally, the fatigue life of the actuator is estimated based on the linear fatigue cumulative damage theory.