Authors : Yousof Khairalla; Yahya Işık

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 1 - January

Google Scholar : http://tinyurl.com/3tw7ejnv

Scribd : http://tinyurl.com/tzstfvej

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10597169

Abstract : A backhoe excavator is a type of excavating equipment consisting of a digging bucket, boom, and arm. The arm and boom work together to manipulate the bucket and get everything into position. A backhoe excavator arm is a two-part articulated arm that can dig, load, trench, and use different attachments. It is powered by hydraulic pressure. The primary objective of this research paper is to determine the optimal geometry of the backhoe excavator's arm through topology optimization applied to a nonempty part. This approach differs from previous studies which focused on arm designs made from plates with a specific thickness. By utilizing topology optimization, we aim to achieve an optimal design that incorporates material distributions in 2D/3D space without compromising its strength, and an optimal mass-to-strength ratio will be achieved for the arm component while ensuring its safety under all operating conditions. To accomplish this, HyperWorks program will be used after creating a detailed arm model using SolidWorks program. After applying topology optimization to the arm, the next step is to re-design the arm based on the results obtained. Once the re-design model is complete, the next stage involves conducting a shape optimization analysis to determine the optimal thicknesses of all arm's components. This optimization aims to find the ideal thickness for each component, taking into consideration factors such as structural integrity, weight reduction, and performance requirements.

Keywords : Topology; Backhoe Excavator Arm; FEA; Hyper Works; Optimization.