Semester
Fall
Date of Graduation
2000
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Committee Chair
Kenneth H. Means.
Abstract
The use of a conventional Roll Over Protective Structure CROPS) on farm tractors over the years has saved numerous lives and prevented countless injuries. By removing the ROPS, the tractor operators place themselves in unwarranted danger.;This led the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and West Virginia University Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering to the development of a deployable ROPS, which could remain down to aid in required housing space for the tractor and prevent debris from striking the tractor operator while being driven.;This research effort focuses on the application of computer-aided design and analysis to structurally optimize the deployable ROPS and make it lighter. The first objective deals with the development of a finite element model (FEM) of the original deployable ROPS giving analytical results that matched the experimental results. This justified the use of a FEM to optimize the ROPS. Once this was accomplished, a FEM of an optimized deployable ROPS was created and verified as safe by checking energy and deflection results against the SAE J2I94 Static Load Standard. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).
Recommended Citation
Gillispie, Adam Michael, "Optimization of a roll over protective structure (ROPS) using nonlinear finite element analysis" (2000). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 1073.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/1073