Structural analysis of a locomotive canopy made of composite material
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Wind load on the canopy surface |
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von Mises stress in the skin structure |
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First two mode shapes of canopy |
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Objective:
Composites are finding increased use in new age locomotives, for the reason of being light weight. Also, more aerodynamic shapes are possible when working with composites. Structural analysis of a locomotive canopy was to be carried out to determine the static response of the composite structure under mechanical and aerodynamic loads.
Methodology:
The canopy of the engine was made of composite shell structure stiffened with orthogonal ribs on the interior surface. The entire unit was assembled from three sub-assemblies. The windshield of the canopy was made from laminations of bulletproof glass while rest is made of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP). The canopy is fixed to the base frame of the locomotive by means of fasteners. The pressure field obtained form the CFD analysis was transferred to the structure to determine the Static Structural Response. The stresses developed in the canopy skin and the ribs for the initial design at the front of the canopy were observed to be above the allowable limit. Hence the skin thickness of the canopy including the bottom flange was increased. The manufacturer saved on expensive physical trials.
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