Design of a precision planter chassis using computer-aided engineering and experimental validation

Abstract

The application of X-section beams in the modular and strength-based design of a precision planter chassis was investigated numerically and experimentally in a case study. This study deals with the feasibility of a special section design with a systematic engineering approach. Mechanical tests were performed for the beam evaluated in a mounting system. The X-section beam model and the mounting elements on this beam were created using computer-aided engineering software, and the compatibility of the design with the mass criterion was investigated. This model was edited as a 2D and 3D mixed model and analyzed with the finite element method to analyzing studies of the system. Stress measurement was conducted using strain gauges at specified points in the system whose prototype was produced. These strain data were processed with nCode DesignLife software, and nonlinear FEA analyses were validated using these stress measurements. The fatigue damage of the X-section beam under dynamic loading conditions was investigated using the FE model solution and experimental measurement data (CAE-based fatigue analysis) with nCode software. The X-section beam design adopted a multiple-objective genetic algorithm technique for optimization by means of ANSYS. The maximum stress value was 121.83 MPa, and a 7.77 kg material was saved correlated to the prototype with the help of optimization solved 400 iterations. It has been determined that the X-section beam is safe by 1.06 × 106 cycles under these loading conditions and can carry a load of 1600 kg. The X-section beam can be successfully applied in similar systems owing to its assemblability and functionality.