Nonlinear Structural Analysis by Finite Element Method with Experimental Validation in a Rotatory Column for Loader Crane

The main objective is to evaluate the level of stresses and strains in the component structure responsible for supporting the entire movable upper part of a loader crane and to indicate possible design adjustments in order to improve the product and predict possible structural problems using the experimental analysis to calibrate the numerical model that also serves as a procedure to validate the total structure and futures new similar cases. For this purpose, a nonlinear static structural analysis will be performed using the finite element method, where the system will be adjusted to a virtual environment in order to better represent the reality of the efforts and supports involved, taking into account the contacts between bushings, the mechanical properties of the materials, and also the geometric nonlinearity of the components. Validation was performed by means of an experimental analysis carried out in a test field on the final product. With the evaluated results and the comparison between the experimental and the numerical, it was noticed that there is a region of high stress levels, close to the yield levels of the material in the stress concentrator of the column axle radius, which suggests possible points of improvement in order to avoid permanent damage mainly caused by dynamic forces.