Analytical and Finite Element Solution of Tractor Brake Link to Achieve Weight and Cost Reduction

Abstract:

In tractor brakes, when the brake is applied, tension in the operating rod causes the links to turn the two actuating disc slightly, in opposite directions. The shape of the recesses in which the hardened steel balls locate is such that, as disc move relative to each other, the ball force them apart and apply pressure to the rotating discs. The automotive industry has for many years identified weight reduction as a way of improving product competitiveness and thus the ability to make profits. In present work, an attempt has been made to reduce the thickness of link and hence achieve weight reduction and cost savings. The actuator link has been analyzed for stresses. The existing link is of 6 mm thickness and is made of C – 40 steel. The existing link of 6 mm thickness along with links of 5 mm and 4 mm thickness were considered for analysis. It is found that the stresses in 5 mm thick link are well within limits with a factor of safety of 2.3. This reduction in thickness would yield a reduction in weight of link and hence would reduce the cost of link with a saving potential of Rs.14, 40000/= per year considering the fact that 6, 00,000 tractors are sold in India every year. Experimental investigation showed the zone of failure of link is in line with the high stress zone indicated by finite element analysis.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 895)
• Pages: 307-312
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.895.307
• Online since: November 2019
• Authors: Anantha G.L. Krishna, K.M. Sathish Kumar*
• Keywords: Brake Link, Cost Saving, Failure Zone, Stress, Weight Reduction

References

[1] P. Vijayalakshmi and J. Lilly Mercy, Failure Analysis and Re-Design of Tractor Brake Actuating Link, Indian Journal of Science and Technology, Volume 8, 59138, (2015).

DOI: 10.17485/ijst/2015/v8i11/71802

[2] Peter O. Jansson, Analysis of Stress Distribution in Link Plates Used for Suspending Bridge Beams, P.E., Structural Research Unit Construction and Technology Division Research Project TI-2097 Research Report No. R-1517.

[3] Swapnil R.Abhang, D.P Bhaskar, Design and analysis of disc brake, International journal of Engineering Trends and Technology –Volume 8, (2014), Number 4-.

[4] V.M.M. Thilak, R.Krishnaraj, Dr.M.Sakthivel, K.Kanthavel, Deepan Marudachalam M.G, R.Palani,Transient Thermal and Structural Analysis of the Rotor Disc of Disc Brake, International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research Volume 2, (2011) 1 ISSN 2229-5518.

[5] S. Sarip, Design Development of Lightweight Disc Brake for Regenerative Braking – Finite Element Analysis, Member, International Journal of Applied Physics and Mathematics, Volume 3, (2013), No. 1.

DOI: 10.7763/ijapm.2013.v3.173

[6] Amandeep, Atul Kumar Kaushik, Amit Goyal, Punit Kumar Rohilla, Finite Element Simulation of Brake Pedal Linkage of Tractor, International Journal of Mechanics and Solids, Volume 12,Number 1 (2017), 41 – 51.

[7] Machine Design data hand book by K Lingaiah.

[8] Information on http://www.tmaindia.in/tractor-industry.php.