| The ultimate objective of the line of research initiated with this thesis is to establish a contrasted methodology for the analysis of the behaviour of different types of structural elements in articulated lorries and lorries with trailers. The aim is to carry out an in-depth study of the processes involved in the analysis of the chassis by starting from the inspection of the various components with models that are truer or have a closer fit to real behaviour. This is especially necessary given that there are number of points where one finds uncertainties in the analytical models normally utilised.; The present study, firstly, concentrates on an experimental phase which consists of developing a general test bench which permits the application of different types of loads, the utilisation of a complete system of information collection based on extensometry for the monitoring of the internal tensions to which the structural element has been submitted and tested on a determined number of points, the definition of a test protocol which allows for the validation and interpretation of the results of each test. In the following phase, we proceed to realise the calibration of the test bench and experimental validation, for this reason measurements were taken of the force applied as well as the tensions and displacements generated in the tested element. In order to realise the aforementioned calibration, the element in question is modelled in an exact manner using the Finite Element Method (FEM), and theoretical results are compared with experimental results. From the correlation between the two sets of results, the relationship existing between theoretical and experimental models is obtained while, from the variation in this correlation between measurement points, measurement error is obtained. |
