Efficient three-stage approach to fatigue life assessment for transport machines in the context of stilt sprayer performance

In this study an efficient three-stage method for fatigue life assessment combining multibody dynamic analysis and finite element method is considered in the context of investigating the performance of a serial stilt sprayer. The proposed approach enables accurate simulation of dynamics for a vehicle subjected to real loads and finite element analysis for detailed models and does not lead to high computational complexity of the problem. The two-level finite element model is used for reducing computational costs of the analysis. The fatigue life of the stilt sprayer chassis frame is assessed on the basis of Palmgren-Miner damage theory. All stages of the study are described in detail. The research may be useful for mechanical engineers and specialists in strength and fatigue calculations.