FEA for Optimizing Design and Fabrication of Frame Structure of Elevating Work Platforms
This study investigated the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to optimize the design and material selection for the construction of the telescopic arm of an elevating work platform (EWP) used in agricultural environments. By comparing the structural performance of four materials—Aluminum...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
|
| Series: | Applied Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/13/7356 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1850119064006950912 |
|---|---|
| author | Antonio Berardi Cosimo Damiano Dellisanti Domenico Tarantino Karine Sophie Leheche Ouette Alessandro Leone Antonia Tamborrino |
| author_facet | Antonio Berardi Cosimo Damiano Dellisanti Domenico Tarantino Karine Sophie Leheche Ouette Alessandro Leone Antonia Tamborrino |
| author_sort | Antonio Berardi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This study investigated the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to optimize the design and material selection for the construction of the telescopic arm of an elevating work platform (EWP) used in agricultural environments. By comparing the structural performance of four materials—Aluminum Alloy (EN-AW 1200), Aluminum Alloy (EN-AW 2014), High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) Steel Fe275JR, and HSLA Steel S700—under simulated operational conditions, this research identified the most suitable material for robust yet lightweight platforms. The results revealed that HSLA Steel S700 provides superior performance in terms of strength, low deformation, and high safety factors, making it ideal for scenarios requiring maximum durability and load-bearing capacity. Conversely, Aluminum Alloy (EN-AW 2014), while exhibiting lower strength compared with HSLA Steel S700, significantly reduces platform weight by approximately 60% and lowers the center of gravity, enhancing maneuverability and compatibility with smaller, less powerful tractors. These findings highlight the potential of FEA in optimizing EWP design by enabling precise adjustments to material selection and structural geometry. The outcomes of this research contribute to the development of safer, more efficient, and cost-effective EWPs, with a specific focus on improving productivity and safety in agricultural operations such as pruning and harvesting. Future work will explore advanced geometries and hybrid materials to further enhance the performance and versatility of these platforms. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-4c9a764652cd4a86adcf7e25632ee6b2 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2076-3417 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-4c9a764652cd4a86adcf7e25632ee6b22025-08-20T02:35:43ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-06-011513735610.3390/app15137356FEA for Optimizing Design and Fabrication of Frame Structure of Elevating Work PlatformsAntonio Berardi0Cosimo Damiano Dellisanti1Domenico Tarantino2Karine Sophie Leheche Ouette3Alessandro Leone4Antonia Tamborrino5Department of Plant, Soil and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, ItalyDepartment of Plant, Soil and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, ItalyDepartment of Plant, Soil and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, ItalyDepartment of the Science of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Foggia, Via Napoli, 25, 71100 Foggia, ItalyDepartment of Plant, Soil and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, ItalyDepartment of Plant, Soil and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/A, 70126 Bari, ItalyThis study investigated the application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to optimize the design and material selection for the construction of the telescopic arm of an elevating work platform (EWP) used in agricultural environments. By comparing the structural performance of four materials—Aluminum Alloy (EN-AW 1200), Aluminum Alloy (EN-AW 2014), High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) Steel Fe275JR, and HSLA Steel S700—under simulated operational conditions, this research identified the most suitable material for robust yet lightweight platforms. The results revealed that HSLA Steel S700 provides superior performance in terms of strength, low deformation, and high safety factors, making it ideal for scenarios requiring maximum durability and load-bearing capacity. Conversely, Aluminum Alloy (EN-AW 2014), while exhibiting lower strength compared with HSLA Steel S700, significantly reduces platform weight by approximately 60% and lowers the center of gravity, enhancing maneuverability and compatibility with smaller, less powerful tractors. These findings highlight the potential of FEA in optimizing EWP design by enabling precise adjustments to material selection and structural geometry. The outcomes of this research contribute to the development of safer, more efficient, and cost-effective EWPs, with a specific focus on improving productivity and safety in agricultural operations such as pruning and harvesting. Future work will explore advanced geometries and hybrid materials to further enhance the performance and versatility of these platforms.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/13/7356Finite Element Analysiselevating work platformsmaterial optimizationagricultural machinerystructural performance |
| spellingShingle | Antonio Berardi Cosimo Damiano Dellisanti Domenico Tarantino Karine Sophie Leheche Ouette Alessandro Leone Antonia Tamborrino FEA for Optimizing Design and Fabrication of Frame Structure of Elevating Work Platforms Applied Sciences Finite Element Analysis elevating work platforms material optimization agricultural machinery structural performance |
| title | FEA for Optimizing Design and Fabrication of Frame Structure of Elevating Work Platforms |
| title_full | FEA for Optimizing Design and Fabrication of Frame Structure of Elevating Work Platforms |
| title_fullStr | FEA for Optimizing Design and Fabrication of Frame Structure of Elevating Work Platforms |
| title_full_unstemmed | FEA for Optimizing Design and Fabrication of Frame Structure of Elevating Work Platforms |
| title_short | FEA for Optimizing Design and Fabrication of Frame Structure of Elevating Work Platforms |
| title_sort | fea for optimizing design and fabrication of frame structure of elevating work platforms |
| topic | Finite Element Analysis elevating work platforms material optimization agricultural machinery structural performance |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/13/7356 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT antonioberardi feaforoptimizingdesignandfabricationofframestructureofelevatingworkplatforms AT cosimodamianodellisanti feaforoptimizingdesignandfabricationofframestructureofelevatingworkplatforms AT domenicotarantino feaforoptimizingdesignandfabricationofframestructureofelevatingworkplatforms AT karinesophielehecheouette feaforoptimizingdesignandfabricationofframestructureofelevatingworkplatforms AT alessandroleone feaforoptimizingdesignandfabricationofframestructureofelevatingworkplatforms AT antoniatamborrino feaforoptimizingdesignandfabricationofframestructureofelevatingworkplatforms |