Numerical-Experimental Analysis of Two Floor Platform Designs for Auxiliary Construction Truck

Abstract

In an auxiliary construction truck, the permanent deformations created by impact of rocks against the floor platform during the daily work generate the premature failure and need for replacement of the platform floor. This article shows the process followed in the analysis of two floor platforms for auxiliary construction trucks. This analysis has been carried out by means of the methodology developed in collaboration with truck manufacturer (ZAMARBU S.L) and the research group ''New Technologies Applied on Vehicles and Road Safety'' (VEHIVIAL) of the University of Zaragoza. The methodology applied in the floor platform development has been based on the application of numerical techniques by means of the finite element method (FEM) with explicit integration of dynamic equilibrium equation and the validation of the numerical results by means of experimental test. Applied load cases correspond to the impact of a sphere of 50, 150, and 250 kg. These load cases reproduce the impact caused by stones falling on the floor platform, which are the most restrictive for the floor design, because the vehicle's rigidity and resistance against torsion and bending are provided for the chassis. The results of the analysis served to demonstrate the efficiency of the methodology developed for the optimization of the floor platform for auxiliary construction truck, getting an innovative floor platform design that improves the current models.

Application of Low-Cost Sensors for the Development of a Methodology to Design Front-End Loaders for Tractors

“…The results should be obtained by means of low-cost sensors, specifically strain gauges. The use of these types of sensors is widespread as a technique for the structural analysis of components of metal structures in general [7][8][9][10]. In addition, this methodology must allow analysing the structural behaviour of each component of the front-end loader by means of numerical techniques based on the Finite Element Method (FEM).…”