Improved procedure for numerical analysis of vehicle transport platform

Abstract

The procedure for numerical analysis of platform for vehicles transport is presented in this paper. The structural analysis is performed using a finite element method. Model is prepared in software Femap and calculation performed in NX Nastran. Platform structural analysis requires consideration of various loading cases for different vehicles. As a result, it is necessary to assign a large number of loads manually, which takes a lot of engineering time. An API (Application Programming Interface) script has been created to automatize load assignment. Based on the starting position on the platform, vehicle wheelbase and wheels tread surface the API calculates pressure values and creates load sets. In this way, multiple load sets that simulate different vehicle positions on the platform are created automatically. Based on the presented procedure, it can be concluded that significant saving of engineering time is achieved.