Nonlinear Analysis of the Terex Scraper Rollover Protective Cab

A rollover test of the Terex Rollover Protective Cab was conducted by Engineering Methods, Inc. using finite element analysis. The analysis follows SAE procedure J1040C for testing the performance of rollover protective structures (ROPS). The MSC/NASTRAN version 61B finite element program was used in the analysis, which includes the geometric stiffening and nonlinear material property options. The analysis predicts the extent of permanent deformation of the protective cab, and the energy absorbed during rollover.

Computer graphic software developed by Engineering Methods, Inc. was used for geometry plotting and post-processing of the displacements and stress levels throughout the structure. A simplified stick model of the protective cab was used for displacement plots at various stages of the analysis. Translucent color stress plots of the full model were also prepared at maximum horizontal and maximum vertical load cases.