Case study

Stress analysis of a wheel loader

arm with SimScale
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In this project, a static linear Challenge

In this project, a static linear structural analysis of a wheel loader
structural analysis of a wheel arm was performed on the SimScale platform. The results show

loader arm is demonstrated. the relative movement between the components and allow an
assessment of the stress performance.
Without any physical prototype, the design engineer was able to
alter and improve the design early in the development process.

Simulation
The symmetry of the model was used to minimize the simulation
domain. Afterwards, the model was prepared mainly in terms of
removing and adding smaller features and parts.
 Results
The results show the relative movement between the components
and at the same time allow an assessment of the stress
performance. Without any physical prototype, the design engineer
was able to alter and improve the design early in the development
process. With the results, two area calculation were made to check
which forces the hydraulic cylinders have the generate to lift the
applied load. The previous image shows the von Mises stress
response of the analysis. The figures below show the displacement
of the model. Here, the warp vector filter was applied to illustrate
the movement of the parts.
Above: CAD model of wheel loader

The CAD model was then uploaded as a STEP file to the SimScale
Platform and meshed using the fully automatic tetrahedralization.
The resulting mesh is shown in the picture below.

Above: Displacement of the model

Above: Mesh of the wheel loader arm

Altogether, seven sliding contact boundary conditions were made.
One displacement constraint was used to generate the symmetry
plane.
For the connection of the arm and the two hydraulic cylinders
with the chassis remote displacement, boundary conditions were
created. The load was then applied with a remote force of 8000 N.
Afterwards a static structural analysis was carried out.

Above: The von Mises stress response of the analysis Above: Displacement of the model

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