Finite Element Analysis of a Forklift Truck Mast System

Abstract

The finite element method (FEM) has been used for an independent analysis of forklift truck components. However, the accuracy of such an analysis may not be reliable because it does not in view of the interaction of the forces transferred between components. Here, we analyze the mast system as a whole using an FEM based on a simulation chain method employing MPC184 units, as well as a method to analyze components independently. Both methods are used to simulate the stress of the upper beam of the inner mast. We then compare the maximum stresses calculated using the two different methods under three sets of working conditions. The data show that, in comparison with theoretical results, the average error rate of the overall analysis method was 4.71%, while that of the independent analysis was 33.3%.