Redesign and Weight Optimization of Chassis and Suspension System for a Mini Tractor

Tendai Talent Ngwarati*, M. N. H. Chikuruwo**, Samson Mhlanga***
* Department of Machine Design, Harare Institute of Technology (HIT), Harare, Zimbabwe.
** Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Harare Institute of Technology, (HIT), Harare, Zimbabwe.
*** Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe.
Periodicity:August - October'2022
DOI : https://doi.org/10.26634/jme.12.4.18762

Abstract

Vibration is an ergonomic challenge for tractor drivers in Zimbabwe. A special mini tractor chassis suspension type for towing was designed, and diagrams of simulations of the chassis and suspension were included in this analysis. A design methodology was used that included tools such as reverse engineering, computer-aided engineering software, and finite element analysis. Finite Element Analysis was used to determine the forces that can be attained by the chassis. Material selection was included, and a selected material simulation was performed, which showed favourable results. The chassis is the major component where the engine, gearbox, and all other controls are mounted. The results presented are the structural characteristics of a modern mini tractor chassis attached to suspension leaf springs. Von Mises using Invertor Computer Aided Design (CAD) software was performed to identify critical regions and obtain design modification.

Keywords

Chassis, Modelling, Simulation, Strain, Stress and Von Misses.

How to Cite this Article?

Ngwarati, T. T., Chikuruwo, M. N. H., and Mhlanga, S. (2022). Redesign and Weight Optimization of Chassis and Suspension System for a Mini Tractor. i-manager’s Journal on Mechanical Engineering, 12(4), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.26634/jme.12.4.18762

References

[1]. Agarwal, A., & Mthembu, L. (2022). Structural analysis and weight optimization of automotive chassis by Latin hypercube sampling using metal matrix composites. Materials Today: Proceedings, 60, 2132-2140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2022.02.059
[2]. Ananto, R. R. D. (2021, February). Coil spring type analysis using the finite element method. In IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering (Vol. 1034, No. 1, p. 012016). IOP Publishing.
[3]. Benos, L., Tsaopoulos, D., & Bochtis, D. (2020). A review on ergonomics in agriculture. part II: Mechanized operations. Applied Sciences, 10(10), 3484. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10103484
[4]. Bovenzi, M., & Betta, A. (1994). Low-back disorders in agricultural tractor drivers exposed to whole-body vibration and postural stress. Applied Ergonomics, 25(4), 231-241. https://doi.org/10.1016/0003-6870(94)90004-3
[5]. Buriol, T. M., & Scheer, S. (2008). CAD and CAE integration through scientific visualization techniques for illumination design. Tsinghua Science and Technology, 13(S1), 26-33.10.1016/S1007-0214(08)70122-6
[6]. Burström, L., Nilsson, T., & Wahlström, J. (2015). Wholebody vibration and the risk of low back pain and sciatica: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, 88(4), 403-418. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-014-0971-4
[7]. Celik, H. K., Cinar, R., Kunt, G., Rennie, A. E. W., Ucar, M., & Akinci, I. (2018). Finite element analysis of a PTO shaft used in an agricultural tractor. Ergonomics International Journal, 2(3).
[8]. Chernykh, V. V., & Matusov, I. B. (2012). Modeling and optimization of characteristics of the conventional suspension of passenger car wheels. Journal of Machinery Manufacture and Reliability, 41(1), 20-25. https://doi.org/10.3103/S1052618812010049
[9]. Kolator, B. A. (2021). Modeling of Tractor Fuel Consumption. Energies, 14(8), 2300. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14082300
[10]. Kumar, S., Singh, A., & Singh, R. (2013). A case study of improving the rockshaft of tractor using reverse engineering. National Conference on Structuring Innovation Through Quality (SITQ-2013) 318 Swami Vivekanand Institute of Engineering & Technology, Ram Nagar (Banur), Patiala.
[11]. Otto, K. N., & Wood, K. L. (1998). Product evolution: a reverse engineering and redesign methodology. Research in Engineering Design, 10(4), 226-243. https://doi.org/10.1007/s001639870003
If you have access to this article please login to view the article or kindly login to purchase the article

Purchase Instant Access

Single Article

North Americas,UK,
Middle East,Europe
India Rest of world
USD EUR INR USD-ROW
Pdf 35 35 200 20
Online 35 35 200 15
Pdf & Online 35 35 400 25

Options for accessing this content:
  • If you would like institutional access to this content, please recommend the title to your librarian.
    Library Recommendation Form
  • If you already have i-manager's user account: Login above and proceed to purchase the article.
  • New Users: Please register, then proceed to purchase the article.