Finite Element Analysis and Optimization of Arm and Boom of Excavator

Abstract

This dissertation work describes an approach of the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and optimization of arm & boom of Excavator. Excavation tasks range from cutting a geometrically described volume of earth for a trench or foundation footing to loading a pile of soil. The main objective of this project is to analyze the existing design and redesign the parts of attachments which are failing under the given operating conditions. During operation of excavator at different positions the stresses induced in the attachments vary. Considering the fact that, corner tooth loading is the critical one, an FEA has been carried out to understand the behavior of the structure. The forces applied in the analysis were calculated by using MathCAD and Design View (DV) software. Meshing of the attachments is done by using HyperMesh-8.0. Solution and post processing is done in Abaqus 6.5 and Ideas-9. Optimization is done in Optistruct. The FEA result of the Arm and boom shows high stress in some regions. For reducing stresses and optimum weight, some design changes are made. After these changes the stresses in the attachment are found to be below allowable limit.