Abstract—In this project a detailed Fatigue Analysis of the digger arm under the worst loading condition was carried out. During the part of project a static and fatigue analysis of digger arm was carried out using finite element analysis package. The 3 dimensional model of the digger arm was designed using NX-CAD. Then the 3D model is imported into ANSYS using the parasolid format. The finite element idealization of this model was then produced using the 10 node tetrahedron solid element. The analysis was performed in a static condition. From the analysis results total deformation, alternative stress and shear stresses are documented by using FEA software. In this project we will also find out the life, safety factor and damage of digger arm by using Goodman tool. S-N curve is given as input for the material used for digger arm. Finally design optimization of the digger arm was done to increase the life of the digger arm component. NX-CAD software was used for 3D modeling of the digger arm and ANSYS software was used to do the fatigue analysis of the digger arm.

Index Terms—Digger arm, FEA, Fatigue, Goodman curve

Cite: P Mahesh Babu and K Sreenivas, "Fatigue Analysis and Design Optimization of a Digger Arm," International Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics Research, Vol.3, No.4, pp. 527-532, October 2014.