ME G512: TO CHECK SAFETY OF RACK

MADE USING SQUARE BEAM ELEMENT

Project Proposal
Student Name: FARHAN SHAJAHAN
BITS Pilani
Pilani | Dubai | Goa | Hyderabad

1
Background
● Finite Element Analysis (FEA) on Rack is required to
improve the performance of frames for withstanding heavy
loads used in the ware-house.

● The optimization parameters (key requirements) can

include
○ The deformation taking place on frame rack
○ The normal stress acting on frame rack
○ To calculate the factor of safety of the frame rack.
Objective
To perform Finite Element Analysis on the Frame Rack to learn how the deformation takes place
on the sheet plate that holds the parts placed. Also to calculate the Safety factor using the fatigue
tool option provided by Ansys which enables us to SEE WHETHER THE RACK IS SAFE TO USE
OR NOT.

FIG1- REAL FRAME RACK FIG2- CAD MODEL OF FRAME-RACK

Geometry/Materials
Figure showing the parts of the Frame Rack having Figure showing the parts of the Frame Rack having
Stainless Steel Structural Steel
Mesh
Mesh has been generated from the rack and here is the image followed by the statistics. i.e the number of nodes
and elements generated from the CAD Model.

MESH – 192724
ELEMENTS - 75474
Load
Let us apply a load of -400 N on the sheet plates to see how the deformation takes place on the sheet and how it
affects the frame structure.
Results
Figure showing the deformation acting on the frame rack.
Total Deformation is the deformation or change in
shape caused by the stresses applied.

According to the general consensus of results

• RED shows areas where deformation is maximum.
• BLUE shows areas where deformation is minimum.
• OTHER COLORS LIKE GREEN AND ORANGE
SHOWS AREAS OF INTERMEDIATE STRESS.
Results
Figure showing the Normal stress acting on frame rack
Normal Stress is the stress applied on a body when
forces are acting normal to the surface.

According to the general consensus of results

• RED shows areas where deformation is maximum.
• BLUE shows areas where deformation is minimum.
• OTHER COLORS LIKE GREEN AND ORANGE
SHOWS AREAS OF INTERMEDIATE STRESS.
Results
SAFETY FACTOR IS THE RATIO OF ABSOLUTE STRENGTH OF STRUCTURE TO THE APPLIED LOAD.
It expresses how much stronger a system is than it needs to be for an intended load.

To calculate the Factor of Safety , we shall use the data of SN Curve for structural steel as shown below. The
following data is entered first before applying safety factor.
Results
SAFETY FACTOR IS THE RATIO OF ABSOLUTE STRENGTH OF STRUCTURE TO THE APPLIED LOAD.
It expresses how much stronger a system is than it needs to be for an intended load.

Here the minimum value of Safety Factor is shown to

be 5.5011 [for fatigue strength factor of 1] . Checking
the below chart, we can finalize that the following
rack is perfect for holding items like cast-iron wheels,
etc.
THANK YOU