Numerical analysis with physical test correlation and design optimization of a Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS)

Abstract

In this study, a rollover protective structure design was investigated according to its performance required for product validation. An investigation was performed by using finite element method and the acceptance criteria was taken from the OECD Code 6 standard. After performing finite element analyses in order to simulate ROPS loadings, it was found that the strength of the current ROPS design is good enough and this situation was correlated with physical tests. This situation allows to make some weight reduction studies. Firstly, an analytical optimization study performed on current ROPS design. A new ROPS design was achieved and this design was called as “Design 1”. After that, a parametric optimization study was built and newly achieved ROPS design was called as “Design - 2”. These optimization studies gave some design suggestions but the all changes in studies was not applied to new ROPS design because of some design constraints. The simulation results correlated with tests for the final design also. This study provides an effective method for virtual validation and design optimization of a rollover protective structures.