DEVELOPING A FINITE ELEMENT (FE) MODEL TO PREDICT THE ROLL-OVER PROTECTIVE STRUCTURE (ROPS) BEHAVIOR UNDER SAE J2194 STANDARD TEST

Abstract. This research focuses on applying FE technique to predict ROPS stress-strain curves under the simulated standardized tests. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J2194 ROPS Standard test was selected for this study. According to SAE J2194 standard, the ROPS should pass consequences of four static tests, consists of longitudinal rear loading, first vertical, longitudinal side loading, and the second vertical loading test. The ROPS must absorb a predefined level of energy under longitudinal loads and tolerate a specific force under crushing loads, before the ROPS collapses or the driver’s clearance zone is infringed by the ROPS or the ground surface. The tests were simulated by Abaqus for two posts ROPS with corner brackets which were designed with Computer-based ROPS Design Program (CRDP) which is developed to simplify ROPS design and utilize the bolted corner bracket technique. A nonlinear finite element model is developed for predicting the ROPS performance under simulated standard test. The Von Mises yield stress criteria were used for testing ROPS deformation. The predicted stress-strain curves were used to calculate the absorbed energy under lateral and longitudinal loads. The final model should include four steps, model development, model verification, model calibration, and model validation. The model should be calibrated and validated by comparing the model results with experimental test results. The absorbed energy for a designed ROPS for the Long 460 tractor is equal to 2845 J and 3556 J under longitudinal and transverse load, respectively. The Allis Chalmers 5040 absorbed energy is equal to 2579 J and 3224 J for longitudinal and transverse load, respectively. The permanent deflection under 40640 N vertical load was 23.9 mm for Long 460, and under 36840 N vertical load was 7 mm for Allis Chalmers 5040.