Experimental verification of the finite element analysis of a dynamically loaded semi-trailer

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The aim of the thesis is to compare results obtained from a finite element analysis method (FEM) toexperimental results of a 12.2m long semi-trailer driven off-road. Semi-trailers are of greatimportance in the transport industry. Furthermore, the need to obtain optimum and reliable semitrailersin this crucial stream of industry is indispensable. The work focuses on comparing the tworesults so that the finite element method may be used as design analysis and redesigning tool as asubstitute to testing.The semi-trailer was driven on a relatively rough off-road at different speeds, at 70kmlh, 50kmlhand 40kmlh loaded with about 12 tonnes of brick pallets. The forces at the suspension of the semitrailerand strains at different parts were measured with the help of strain gauges and other dataacquisition equipment.A finite element model of the semi-trailer was modelled in Nastran for Windows. The trailerparameters in the finite element were tuned to curve fit the test results. A comparison of the two/'results was made based on the average of absolute values and standard deviation, to verify thevalidity of the finite element model.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University