6.

Structural analysis in Nastran

Static analysis calculates the effect of steady loading
conditions on a structure. it determines the parameters
like displacement, stresses, strains, and forces in
structures or components caused by lodes that do not
induce significant inertia and damping effects.
Steady loading and response conditions are like that is,
the loads and the structures response are assumed to

vary slowly with respect to time.

6.1 Results for static analysis.
-Weight of the model is 14193 kg
- Maximum deflection plot shown in fig. 5.1
- Maximum stress plot shown in fig. 5.2
Load of 3500 N is applied on 4 rollers which
located at the centre of the conveyor system.
We get the maximum deflection and maximum
Stress.

Fig.6.1a Nastran analysis of Pratt truss.

Fig 6.1b summary table generated after analysis of bottom main member of Pratt truss.
6.2 Stress analysis

Stress analysis is carried out to find out the interaction value as per IS 800.
If the value of interaction value is less than 1 it indicates that the design is safe.

There are different types of critical mode shapes occur in the conveyor system. We selected the
transverse mode shape which require for the analysis purpose.

Fig 6.2 calculation of interaction value for bottom main member

Fig 6.3 summary table for all the members under all four cases

7.0 Need for Optimization

As the interaction value for a number of members is much smaller than 1, there is a scope of weight reduction in som
the the members of the structure.
7.1 Optimized Design

Selecting available components which are similar to optimized design

Select ISJC 100 and ISJC 75 C-channels for chassis and supports respectively

Fig 7.1 optimized design of Pratt truss

Table 7.1 Total Weight of Conveyor Assembly (Optimized Design)-

Sr.no.

Item description

qty

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Top main member

Bottom main member
Top cross member
Top bracings
Vertical members
Vertical bracings
Bottom cross member
Bottom bracings
Vertical members at
end
Access cantilever
Idler panel
plates
Total weight of
structure

2
2
12

10
11
12

8.0 Results and Discussion

Total
weight(ton
)
1.15
0.8
0.4

14.546

sr.no
.

Item description

1
2

Top main member

Bottom main
member
Top cross member
Top bracings
Vertical members
Vertical bracings
Bottom cross
member
Bottom bracings
Vertical members
at end
Access cantilever
Idler panel
plates
Total weight of
structure

3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

Existin
g
weight
2
2

Optimized
weight

12

8.1 Observation from Results- Effect of Optimized

Design Compared with existing design-

1. From above chart we can find the great change in weight of optimized design and existing design. (60 Kg.
weight reduction)

2. Here we can observe changes in 3 main components, i.e. C-channels for Chassis, C- Channels for Supports
and Rollers due to optimization.

8.2 Weight reduction due to Optimization

design
Weight
(kg)
% material required to
Compared to the existing design
% material
Saved compared to the existing design
existing
14.546
100
-optimized

9. Conclusions

Existing design calculation shows the factor of safety is very greater than requirement and there is a
scope for weight reduction.
Critical parameter which reduces the weight of C-channels, roller outer diameter and roller thickness.
Though value of deflection, stress is more in case of Optimized design, but it is allowable.
Transient analysis also gives the permissible stress limit i.e. 50.40 Mpa.
39.26% of weight reduction is achieved due to Optimized design.
60.73 Kg. weight reduction achieved by optimized design than existing design.

10. Future scope

Fatigue analysis for life calculation.

fatigue analysis can be done by obtaining

the SN curve.

2.

Buckling analysis.

Buckling analysis of support channels can

be done to find out the maximum load.
Non-linear analysis.

Material non -linearity can be considered

to find more accurate results.

Selection of appropriate material.

By selecting inferior quality of material

Further weight reduction of conveyor is
possible.

Thermal Analysis can be considered for

further study.