A client wanted to evaluate the dynamic performance of a new-concept forklift, so a fully-functional multibody model of the forklift was built by assembling the client’s CAD geometries.
The forklift’s wheels were represented in detail to implement a sophisticated model of the tire features, which were calibrated from experimental data.
In addition, the interaction between the fork and a real item of freight was able to be simulated as a result of RecurDyn’s efficient contact features.
This type of highly-detailed model can be used to simulate many different scenarios: for example, a crucial handling test can be performed by simulating the loaded forklift crashing into a standard obstacle.
Various load cases and driving maneuvers can be set up in order to assess the forklift’s static and dynamic stability; in addition, the loads that each part of the forklift can be measured and used as input for structural and fatigue-life verification.
CASE STUDY
This paper presents the RENAULT F1 Team’s AM process for an aerodynamic insert in titanium Ti6Al4V. Production was optimized by identifying the best orientation for the parts and the best positioning for the support structures in the melting chamber, in addition to using the ANSYS Additive Print module, a simulation software useful for predicting the distortion of a part and for developing a new, 3D, compensated model that guarantees the best “as-built” quality.
automotive additive-manufacturing optimization