Numerical investigation on the dynamic characteristics of an automotive A/C hose

The objective of this study is to investigate the dynamic deformation characteristics of an automotive A/C hose assembly using the finite element method and experimentation. The finite element analysis consisted of two analyses, specifically, a modal and a transient analysis. The dynamic modal analysis was conducted to assess the dynamic characteristics of the A/C hose structure, and the dynamic transient analysis was performed to investigate the dynamic stresses of an automotive A/C hose by dynamic loading with particular emphasis on the reinforced braid. Furthermore, the analyses results are expected to provide useful reference data in the design optimization of the hose layout related to the constrained design space. Modal testing was undertaken to verify the FE model. The FE result was in good agreement with the experimental results. The modal analysis result showed that the bending and swing modes of the hose occurred in the first six natural frequencies. The dynamic transient result showed that the maximum stress in the hose components occurred in the reinforced braid layers, which are particularly damage-prone.