Daniyan, IlesanmiMpofu, KhumbulaniMuvunzi, RumbidzaiFameso, FestusRamatsetse, Boitumelo2025-02-282025-02-282021-01-012212-8271 (E)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2021.05.006https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14519/141531st CIRP Design 2021 (CIRP Design 2021).The traction link is a key component of the railcar suspension system which is used to transmit force and provide acoustic and vibration isolation. To ensure satisfactory performance of the railcar suspension system, the traction link should be properly designed. In this study, the traction link is considered as a component for local manufacturing. The aim of this study is to provide a guided approach on the design and simulation of the part to ensure that it meets the service and functional requirements. To clearly understand the effect of vibration and variable alternating loading on the mechanical integrity of the railcar suspension system, the designed traction link was analysed using finite element analysis. . Dynamic analysis on the traction link was done using a linear perturbation analysis tool in the commercial FEM software ABAQUS©. The results show that the component is designed to a safe limit for the required service condition and that the material chosen is unlikely to deform under extreme conditions of the system. It is envisaged that the findings of this study will assist manufacturers in the development of railcar suspensions system that will meet the required service conditions.37-42 PagesenAttribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 Internationalhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/FEARailcarStressTraction linkVibrational effectArticle