The Numerical Simulation of FOPS and ROPS Tests using LS-DYNA

Abstract

This paper presents design process and numerical simulations of safety tests of the operator's protective structure of earth-moving machinery. It is connected with international code requirements according to design the protective structure of machines in the case of working environment with a danger of falling objects or situation of rolling-over. The discrete finite element numerical models and results of numerical simulation of codes required tests are presented. All finite element simulations were done using LS-DYNA software. The manufacturing process of earth-moving machinery is closely related to meeting the rigorous requirements of safety standards requiring a considerable number of difficult experimental studies. The calculation methodology presented in the article as well as the examples prove that the currently common numerical simulations allow to significantly reduce the number of experiments in the complex design process of heavy machinery and therefore significantly accelerate the implementation process as well as reduce the design and production costs.