Tie Rod Analysis

I performed analysis of a tie rod under buckling, shear, and axial loading. I created the CAD model and did the analysis based off a 1992 Toyota Corolla Tie rod. The tie rod converts translational motion of the track rod into rotation at the wheel. This was a focus on the inner tie rod of a Corolla. The main goal was to increase the safety factor during static loading and learn about the manufacturing methods and material choice of tie rods.

Example System and Corolla Tie Rod

I completed this model in Catia based off a tie rod purchased on Amazon.

Loading Scenarios Simulation

The simulations were completed in SolidWorks and compared against hand calculations to provide simulation confidence and check % difference (a max of about 10% was observed). For hand calculations the geometry simplified to an effective diameter across the entire tierod assuming a constant cross-sectional area. The simulation removed the threads of the tierod. The below table is the updated safety factors with a new chosen diameter and material.