Structural Design and Performance Research on Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Thrust Rod

Zhang Junrong1, Zhang Paipai2, Tang Chunhong1, Liao Yong1, Guo Chunjie1, Liu Jianlin1

（1.BOGE Rubber & Plastics (Zhuzhou) Co., Ltd., Zhuzhou 412001; 2. FAW Jiefang Qingdao Automobile Co., Ltd., Qingdao 266217）

Abstract：a novel aluminum alloy thrust rod with rod body-ball head all-in-one is designed according to the performance requirements of thrust rod of a vehicle. Test results show that the ball hinge press in/press out force of the aluminum alloy thrust rod meets the requirements, can withstand a limit load of 200 kn, and has a fatigue life of up to 1 million times of cycle under the load of ±60 kn. After completing the customer road test, the thrust rod does not fail. Compared with the original steel structure thrust rod, under the premise that the performance meets the requirements of use, the overall weight of the aluminum alloy thrust rod is reduced as high as 27%. Key words: Aluminum alloy, Torque rod, Lightweight