Design and Analysis of Rack and Pinion Mechanism in Automobile Applications Using Structural Steel and PLA

Abstract

In this study, the analysis of rack and pinion used in various applications is performed. It is the most common steering linkage used in cars. Apart from cars, it is also used in many applications like press, stair lift, rack railway, actuators, etc. This study contains the analysis of rack and pinion used in automobiles and rack and pinion press. The analysis is done using traditional materials like structural steel as well as polylactic acid (PLA). PLA material is biodegradable in nature. Already existing manufacturing equipment can be used to produce it. This makes it relatively cost efficient to produce. Solid works software is used for designing and ANSYS is used for the analysis. The results of structural steel are compared with PLA and the product is 3D printed for experimentation and demonstration purpose. The innovations in the world of additive manufacturing and 3D printing is opening wide area of scope to produce light-weight, high-strength and ease-in-manufacturing complex geometry as compared to traditional manufacturing techniques.