Design and Analysis of Mini - Tractor Chassis

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">In most farm tractors through the middle of the 20^th century, a pressed steel frame chassis is used as a supporting part of the tractor on which the engine, wheels, axle assemblies, transmission, steering mechanism, brakes, and suspension members were mounted together. Farm tractors generally used in the agricultural field experiences a variation in the load and vibrations, which leads to failure/fracture in the frame/chassis. In order to reduce the failure/fractures in the chassis/frame, high strength materials are used. Therefore, the main objective of the paper is to identify the best suitable high strength material and most suitable cross section for a mini tractor chassis, so as to make it very strong to bear the heavy loads and shocks received while working in the farms in static conditions. In the present work, ladder chassis is designed and analyzed with three different types of cross sections like C, I and Rectangular box type. Considering the maximum load condition, analysis is done to find the suitable material and cross section for the chassis. Mini tractor chassis designed for SAEISS (SAE India Southern Section) tractor design competition is taken for analysis with three different materials. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is carried out for getting the chassis with high strength in order to minimize the failures, along with considering the factor of safety. So, a proper finite element model of the chassis is done using Solidworks software, and analysis is done using Ansys. Additionally, wave spring is introduced in between the seat and the tray system of the tractor in order to reduce the vibrations produced in it. From the results, it is observed that the rectangular box type cross-section with A356+B₄C Composite is stronger than the other two types of cross-sections for the Ladder Chassis with a least deflection, Von Mises stress and Maximum Shear stress. Also, the wave spring is designed and analyzed with ASTM A401 material and it is found that the total deflection, Von Mises stress and Maximum Shear stress was minimum.</div></div>