# Evaluation of Accelerator Pedal Strength under Critical Loads Using the Finite Element Method
## 1 Introduction  
The object of our research is an acceleration pedal assembly, model EAAH-MFP02-2340, used in vehicles, in particular in tractors (for example, model K 744R, etc.). A strength analysis of the floor pedal was proposed to be carried out in stages, with an assessment of the results of various loading modes (determining boundary conditions) that are maximally permissible in terms of the loads but unlikely in real operating conditions. According to the conditions of certification tests (UNECE Regulation No. 13), the load generated by the vehicle operator on the pedal should not be higher than 1000 N, which has been determined by the requirements of workplace ergonomics and comfort. In case the value of 1000 N is insufficient to turn on the system, then further tests are not carried out [1], because it is considered that the pedal design is ineffective (not able to ensure full transfer of loads to the control elements). The load application time defined by the UNECE Regulations has a decisive influence on the strength and integrity of the pedal; therefore, shock load calculations are extremely important when designing and certifying pedals of varioustypes. Hence, the main task of the research presented below is to formulate a methodology for assessing the compliance of the mechanical pedal strength with the requirements of UNECE R 13; our formulation is aided by a computer simulation method. Maximum loads on mechanical pedals are regulated by UNECE R 13-09-2002, the only technical prescriptions for the official approval of road vehicles of categories M, N, and O regarding braking [1]. However, in the presented investigations, they have been applied to the accelerator pedal, which is more complex in terms of loads. The authors present a study of pedal performance characteristics and driving load on the slopes of a mountain road, referring to naturalistic driving in-work tests [2], which is especially relevant for analysis in conjunction with the UNECE R 35-00:2002 (Uniform technical prescriptions for official approval of road vehicles in relation to the placement of control pedals) [3], because workplace ergonomics and load requirements for the control elements are inherent during the operation of vehicles. The topic of the vehicle pedal has been taken up by [PERSON] et al. [4], wherein the comfort of the driver's leg was assessed on the basis of biomechanics principles. Unlike UNECE R 13, the requirements of UNECE R 35 concern the ergonomics of the driver's workplace, compliance with demands for comfort, and efficiency of the control elements' interactions with the driver, which has been addressed in [3; 4]. The study being presented is focused on investigations of the mechanical strength of pedals, which is rarely presented in modern publications. The study of the dynamic behavior of a driver coupled with a vehicle was presented by [PERSON] et al. [5], who described how the reaction during a pedal actuation impacts a human body state. This publication correlates with the present research in terms of the speed of the load application on the pedal, which is an important factor in the context of strength analysis (according to the requirements of UNECE R 13, the maximum load on the brake should not exceed 1000 N, but the speed of its application significantly affects the strength). [PERSON] et al. [6] and [PERSON] et al. [7] simulated an interaction between a driver and a seat, focusing on the use of car pedals and the characteristics of the legs of elderly drivers, and relating this directly to ergonomics. [PERSON] et al. [8] presented health risks related to whole-body vibration and shock investigations, logically supplementing the previously cited works, and compared alternative assessment methods for high-acceleration events in vehicles. Since the highest loads on the pedals are observed precisely on brake pedals, the testing and analysis of car brake pedals with reduced weight, as well as the measurement and quality control of brake pedals, play an important role in the automotive industry (cf.