In recent years, virtual validation using finite element analysis (FEA) has become a key step in designing an agricultural tractor roll over protective structure (ROPS). With the advancement of computation power and ability of finite element solver to handle bigger models; a higher fidelity model can be built to improve virtual validation accuracy. More & more advanced material model can be used to improve accuracy of the results. Along with ROPS, its mounting chassis and mounting bolts can also be validated. Virtual validation at the design phase not only saves time of new product development cycle; but also optimizes the weight & cost of the design.
In this paper, majorly two material model has been used to analyze a real-life tractor ROPS, its mounting chassis and bolts. For the ROPS, conventional isotropic hardening model has been used using bilinear and piece-wise multilinear stress-strain curve. Additionally kinematic hardening model has been used using advanced multi-component Armstrong Frederic model. For the mounting chassis, conventional isotropic hardening has been used as it is not subjected to very high deformation; whereas for the bolts, linear material model has been used as it is not subjected to non-linear stresses. From the FE analysis, bolt reaction forces are extracted and then validated using an analytical approach. After the virtual validation, the design was tested in lab and correlated with the FE results. On an average excellent correlation of 85% was achieved with the improved model compared to that of 81% with conventional model.