Design and optimization of lifting arm of self loading concrete mixer through finite element analysis

Abstract

This work is mainly focused on the design as well as analysis of lifting arm of self loading concrete mixer through finite element analysis. Shovels are tools used in industry for digging, lifting and moving bulk materials like sand or gravel. These tools have been used for centuries as hand held tools. In the modern age these tools come as part of machines and are adept at carrying out work that humans are incapable of. The present work aims to reduce the weight of the shovel lift arm of a Self-loading concrete mixer with a 2.2 meter cube drum without compromising on the existing functionality of the product. This optimization is done by 3D modelling the existing lift arm assembly and simulating it for impact load. The Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis on the simulation shows the magnitude of stresses at various points which help us modify the design accordingly for optimal reduction in weight. The results are used to make modifications to the existing design after which those designs are tested using the same impact load. The best of the new designs are selected and their superiority is corroborated by a lifting analysis of the arm at its horizontal position. Both the 3D modelling and the analyses have been performed on Cre Parametric 4.0. These modifications in the design help bring down the cost of production and also improves the factor of safety of the arm.