Test methodology for validating tractor structural part under multiaxial loading

Abstract

A tractor is a machine which is predominantly used for various agricultural operations such as plowing, tilling, planting, harvesting, etc. Apart from the regular agricultural applications, currently, tractor is being also used for various other applications such as haulage, dozing, loading, digging, and so on. Because of the versatility in usage patterns and applications, it is extremely difficult to estimate the loads coming on different structural parts of a tractor. Therefore, fatigue behaviors of different structural parts are also highly unpredictable. Limited test methodologies or information are available about the testing methodologies to validate the structural parts of a tractor. Conventional uniaxial load tests may not be sufficient to replicate actual Real World Usage Pattern (RWUP) as different structural failures are reported from field testing or end customers despite clearing in different lab testing. On the other hand, multiaxial loading may produce more realistic and accurate test results. In this paper, an attempt has been made to develop a practically deployable and simple to use laboratory test methodology considering multiaxial loading to validate Rear Axle Carrier (RAC) assembly of a tractor. At the end of the study, simple to put methodology has been demonstrated in which all the stated objectives were full filled. Real time acquired load data have been used to analyze and develop the duty cycle with a considerable test time reduction in place. This methodology can be used for validating similar kind of structures.