STRUCTURAL STATIC ANALYSIS OF ROBOLIFT

Finite Element Modeling (FEM) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) are two most
popular mechanical engineering applications offered by existing CAE systems. This is attributed
to the fact that the FEM is perhaps the most popular numerical technique for solving engineering
problems. The method is general enough to handle any complex shape of geometry (problem
domain), any material properties, any boundary conditions and any loading conditions. The
generality of the FEM fits the analysis requirements of todays complex engineering systems and
designs where closed form solutions are governing equilibrium equations are not available.
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
Structural analysis comprises the set of physical laws and mathematics required to study
and predict the behavior of structures. The subjects of structural analysis are engineering artifacts
whose integrity is judged largely based upon their ability to withstand loads; they commonly
include buildings, bridges, aircraft, and ships. Structural analysis incorporates the fields of
mechanics and dynamics as well as the many failure theories. From a theoretical perspective the
primary goal of structural analysis is the computation of deformations, internal forces, and
stresses. In practice, structural analysis can be viewed more abstractly as a method to drive the
engineering design process or prove the soundness of a design without a dependence on directly
testing it.
FINITE ELEMENT MODELING
3D model of the Robolift was developed in Pro/e. The model was then converted into
parasolid model and import into ANSYS software. A Finite Element model was developed with
solid 92 and mass 21 elements. The elements that are used for idealizing the Robolift were
described below. A detailed Finite Element model was built with solid and mass elements to
idealize all the components of the Robolift. Structural analysis was carried out for given
operating conditions.

Objective:
The Objective of this analysis is to check the high stressed locations and deflections on
Robolift for applied weight of 5 Kgs.
Material Properties:
Steel IS:2062-1999 Mechanical properties
Youngs Modulus=200Gpa
Density=7800kg/m3
Yield strength=250Mpa

Element Type Used:

Solid92
No of nodes: 10
No of DOF: 3(Ux,Uy,Uz)
SOLID92 Element Description:
SOLID92 has a quadratic displacement behavior and is well suited to model irregular meshes
(such as produced from various CAD/CAM systems). The element is defined by ten nodes
having three degrees of freedom at each node: translations in the nodal x, y, and z directions. The
element also has plasticity, creep, swelling, stress stiffening, large deflection, and large strain
capabilities.

MASS21 Element Description

MASS21 is a point element having up to six degrees of freedom: translations in the nodal x, y,
and z directions and rotations about the nodal x, y, and z axes. A different mass and rotary inertia
may be assigned to each coordinate direction.

Fig shows geometric model of Robolift created in Pro/E

Fig shows geometric model of Robolift used for analysis

Fig shows Finite model of Robolift

Fig shows Finite model of Robolift in zoomed view

Boundary conditions:
The legs of Robolift are arrested in all DOF at 4 locations as shown in the below figure.
Weight of 5 kgs applied on the CG of lift and distributed on to the floor using mass
elements as shown in the below figure.
Inertia load of 9810 mm/sec2 is applied in Y-direction as shown in the below figure.

Fig shows Boundary Conditions of Robolift

Fig shows inertia load applied on the Robolift

RESULTS
DEFLECTION:

Fig shows Displacement in X-direction of Robolift

Fig shows Displacement in Y-direction of Robolift

Fig shows Displacement in Z-direction of Robolift

Fig shows Total Displacement of Robolift

From the analysis results, the total deformation observed on the Robolift is 1.96 mm as
shown in the above figure.
VonMises Stress:

Fig shows von misses stress of Robolift

Fig shows von misses stress of Robolift in zoomed view

From the analysis results, the maximum VonMises stress observed on the Robolift is 94.5
Mpa as shown in the above figure.
Table shows Max. Deflection and Max. Von misses stress

S.NO
1

Deflection(mm)
1.96

Stress(Mpa)
94.5

The Max Deflection 1.96 mm observed on Robolift for static loading conditions.
The Max. VonMises Stress observed 94.5 Mpa on the Robolift for static loading
conditions.. And the Yield strength of the material steel is 250Mpa respectivly.
Hence according to the Maximum Yield Stress Theory, the VonMises stress is less than
the yield strength of the material. Hence the design of Robolift is safe for the above
operating loads with a factor of safety of 250/94.5 = 2.64