Finite element modeling and experimental evaluation of a high-clearance wide-span multipurpose agricultural vehicle

This research deals with finite element modeling and experimental evaluation of a high-clearance wide-span multipurpose agricultural vehicle. A spatial finite element model was developed using the Integrated Design Engineering Analysis Software (IDEAS). Thin-shell elements and beam elements were used to accurately reflect the load transfer in the vehicle structural system under three-dimensional loads. Linear static and dynamic analyses were conducted to describe the static and dynamic characteristics of the vehicle structural system. The objectives of the research were to calculate the overall deflections and stress distributions of the vehicle structural system under several typical load conditions and to predict the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the undamped vehicle system.; A micro-computer-based instrumentation system was designed and implemented to investigate the external load environments and the static and dynamic responses of the vehicle structural system. The time history data including wheel and hitch forces, accelerations and stresses under different field conditions were obtained. Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) techniques were used to transform the data from time domain to frequency domain. The spectral analyses were conducted to obtain the power spectra and frequency response functions. A field test, a static loading test, and a road bump test on the actual vehicle structural system were performed to compare the analytical and experimental results and to verify the finite element model.