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Developing a Finite Element Model of ATV Static Stability with Liquid Tank Loads and Sloshing Effects

Published by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, St. Joseph, Michigan www.asabe.org

Citation:  2026 ASABE Annual International Meeting  2600028.(doi:10.13031/aim.202600028)
Authors:   Payam Farhadi, Farzaneh Khorsandi
Keywords:   All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV), Static Stability, Finite Element Modeling (FEM), Liquid Sloshing

Abstract. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are commonly used in agricultural operations to transport loads such as hay bales, tools, and liquid-filled spray tanks. Spraying operations using ATVs present a significant occupational hazard, particularly when performed on sloped or uneven terrain. The placement of liquid-filled tanks on the ATV‘s front or rear racks alters the vehicle‘s center of mass, and the dynamic motion of the liquid further increases the risk of rollover. Over one-third of ATV-related occupational fatalities occurred during spraying activities. Partially filled tanks intensify this hazard by allowing unrestricted fluid movement, generating lateral sloshing forces that apply additional torque to the ATV chassis. These forces can amplify rollover tendencies, especially under combined pitch and roll excitations caused by steering inputs or driving over irregular ground, conditions commonly encountered in agricultural fields. To investigate the influence of liquid shift and slosh on ATV stability, a finite element model (FEM) of the Honda TRX420FA6, along with two liquid tank configurations, was developed based on their actual geometric dimensions. The solid model of the ATV was created in SolidWorks, and the finite element model was developed in Abaqus. Static stability is evaluated using the tilt table angle (TTA) and tilt table ratio (TTR) as primary indicators of stability. The mechanical properties of the tires, including elastic modulus and damping coefficient, were determined for multiple inflation pressures, while the spring stiffness and damping characteristics of the suspension shock absorbers were experimentally measured and incorporated into the model. A physics-based FEM simulation environment was established to represent both the structural behavior of the ATV and the dynamic behavior of the fluid inside the tanks. All other structural components of the ATV were modeled as rigid bodies to improve computational efficiency while maintaining sufficient accuracy. The FEM results were validated against experimental tilt-table tests. They will support future investigations of additional parameters, helping reduce the need for extensive field testing by providing a more cost-effective and efficient method for evaluating ATV stability.

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