Structural Analysis of a Bending Device Support Plate through Finite Element Analysis | Chapter 5 | Engineering Research: Perspectives on Recent Advances Vol. 8

This paper is based on an applied study focused on evaluating the mechanical behaviour of a support plate made of aluminium alloy, which is part of a manual clamping device used in the automotive industry for assembling exhaust protectors. The main objective of the study is to determine whether the support plate in the clamping subassembly undergoes elastoplastic deformation under the actual operating forces of the bending device. This deformation occurs both due to the driving forces applied by the device and due to the reaction forces in the supports, being more significant in materials such as aluminium compared to structural steel. If the forces acting on the device deform the bearing plate in the elastic range, there is no danger of permanent deformation. However, if the deformation exceeds the elastic threshold, the material is subjected to plastic stresses and the part deforms plastically, with the risk of permanent deformation. These deformations can primarily cause manufacturing errors or even device failure by changing the tolerances and clearances in the assembly under study. The specific objective of this paper is to demonstrate, based on the results obtained through finite element analysis (FEA), that for a given material and under the same working conditions, the system can operate without errors, ensuring the production of parts that comply with quality requirements. The methodology involved 3D modelling of the plate in Solid Edge ST7 and finite element analysis (FEA) in ANSYS Workbench, applying realistic boundary conditions and loading scenarios. The results show a maximum total deformation of 0.17 mm for aluminium and 0.06 mm for structural steel, with safety factors of 4.5 and 4.6, respectively. These findings confirm that both materials operate in the elastic range, although aluminium is more susceptible to deformation. The study highlights the value of numerical simulations in the optimisation of mechanical components, offering a reliable and cost-effective alternative to physical testing in the early stages of the design process. This manuscript makes a significant contribution to the scientific community by highlighting the mechanical behaviour of industrial components that are essential for ensuring the quality of assembly processes. The study demonstrates the advantages of numerical simulations as efficient and cost-effective methods for design optimisation, reducing the need for costly physical testing in the early stages of product development. The resulting information provides a solid basis for engineers and researchers interested in integrating digital methods into the design and validation of mechanical products, thereby contributing to increased sustainability and performance of assemblies.

 

Author (s) Details

 

D C Negrău
Faculty of Managerial and Technological Engineering, University of Oradea, Universității Street No. 1, Oradea, Romania.

 

N. Salem
Mechanical Engineering Department, Zarqa University, Jordan.

 

C I Indre
Faculty of Managerial and Technological Engineering, University of Oradea, Universității Street No. 1, Oradea, Romania.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/erpra/v8/5731