Journal of Jilin University(Engineering and Technology Edition) ›› 2026, Vol. 56 ›› Issue (9): 2292-2301.doi: 10.13229/j.cnki.jdxbgxb.20250253

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Fatigue analysis methods for hydraulic excavator track links

Guo-qiang WANG1(),Chao-yang MA1,Zhi-yuan GUO2,Shuai WANG3,Guo-peng ZUO2,Shi-bo LIU1   

  1. 1.School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering，Jilin University，Changchun 130022，China
    2.Transmission Business Department，Sany Group Co. ，Ltd. ，Changshu 215500，China
    3.School of Biological and Agricultural Engineering，Jilin University，Changchun 130022，China
  • Received:2025-03-26 Online:2026-09-01 Published:2026-09-07

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Abstract:

The hydraulic excavator track link was selected as the research object. A comprehensive methodology for predicting track link fatigue life， based on integrated dynamics-FEA-fatigue criterion analysis， was proposed. Initially， a dynamic model of the hydraulic excavator track link was constructed and validated by contrasting key parameter data obtained from experiments and simulations. Subsequently， the extracted dynamic loads，including track tension and contact forces derived from the dynamic model，were imported into finite element analysis software. Stress and strain solutions were numerically computed at all nodal points within the track link mesh. Finally， addressing the characteristic multi-mode， alternating， asymmetric loading of the track link， structural life prediction was implemented based on a multiaxial fatigue criterion. The results demonstrate that the mean error between critical parameter data from the established simulation model and experimental data was maintained within 10%. Fatigue life predictions were obtained for the track link under both straight-line travel and steering conditions of the hydraulic excavator. The predicted life exceeded 107 cycles under straight-line travel， while a life of 3.59×106 cycles was predicted for the steering condition.

Key words: hydraulic excavator, track link, fatigue life, dynamic modeling, finite element

CLC Number: 

  • TH114

Fig. 1

Plane motion model of tracked vehicle"

Fig. 2

Process diagram for establishing dynamic model"

Fig. 3

Virtual prototype model"

Table 1

Main parameters of excavator"

参数名称数值
重量/kg71 000
排量/L15.681
履带板宽度/m0.6
链轨节节距/m0.228
接地长度/m4.6
轨距/m3.08
驱动轮齿数23
驱动轮分度圆半径/m0.392
支重轮每侧个数9
拖带轮每侧个数3
履带板数52
地面摩擦系数0.7

Fig. 4

Sensor installation diagram"

Fig. 5

Comparison between simulation data and measured data of straight driving conditions"

Fig. 6

Comparison between simulated and measured data of steering conditions"

Table 2

Relative error between simulation and actual measurement"

工况参数仿真均值实测均值误差
直行速度（km/h）2.038 12.028 60.46%
转矩（N·m）12 50012 7842.22%
转向外侧履带速度（km/h）2.016 31.959 22.91%
内侧履带速度（km/h）1.417 11.350 54.93%
外侧履带转矩（N·m）63 63661 0794.19%
内侧履带转矩（N·m）40 05744 3189.61%

Fig. 7

Force related to track link"

Fig. 8

Stress cloud map of the straight ahead working condition"

Fig. 9

Stress cloud map under steering condition"

Table 3

Material parameters of track link"

参数描述数值
E弹性模量/MPa210 000
μ泊松比0.3
HSS静水应力敏感性0.35
LHF极限硬化因子5
SHF应变硬化因子1
TAFEA型疲劳极限/MPa274.4
UTS极限抗拉强度/MPa980

Fig. 10

Typical calibration scheme with bending and torsional fatigue testing"

Fig. 11

Fatigue safety analysis results"

Fig.12

SN curve of track link material"

Table 4

Fatigue life prediction under different working conditions"

工况最小安全因子寿命
直线行驶1.225 7大于107
转向行驶0.501 43.59×106

Fig. 13

Comparison diagram of fatigue fracture locations"

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