Reliability Prediction for the HMMWV Suspension System 2011-01-0726

This research paper addresses the ground vehicle reliability prediction process based on a new integrated reliability prediction framework. The integrated stochastic framework combines the computational physics-based predictions with experimental testing information for assessing vehicle reliability. The integrated reliability prediction approach incorporates the following computational steps: i) simulation of stochastic operational environment, ii) vehicle multi-body dynamics analysis, iii) stress prediction in subsystems and components, iv) stochastic progressive damage analysis, and v) component life prediction, including the effects of maintenance and, finally, iv) reliability prediction at component and system level. To solve efficiently and accurately the challenges coming from large-size computational mechanics models and high-dimensional stochastic spaces, a HPC simulation-based approach to the reliability problem was implemented. The integrated HPC stochastic approach combines the computational stochastic mechanics predictions with available statistical experimental databases for assessing vehicle system reliability. The paper illustrates the application of the integrated approach to evaluate the relliability of the HMMWV front-left suspension system.