This project was developed in collaboration with the mechanical department at University of Skövde, and it is focused in the determination of different loading cases and the application of their results to the optimization of two parts of a washing machine.
A study of the different loading cases is carried out with the intention of having a general view of the problem and selecting four specific cases for its application to the reconstruction of the aimed parts (tripod and front cover).
This study includes the calculation of the worst relative angle between the tripod and the resultant force for two opposite loads inside the drum. This angle results to be 35º between the arm and the direction of the resultant force.
The first step in this report is to obtain a numerical model of a washing machine. It includes the assembly in a mechanical software program (Abaqus), and the assignment of the specific boundary conditions and material properties for the problem. Simulation parameters such as mesh size; types of elements, and number of iterations used in the calculations will also be decided.
Source: University of Skövde
Authors: Abril López, Raimundo | Huertas Molina, Pablo | González Zuheros, Rocío