Optimization of the mass of a sandwich plate that TAM is producing

Abstract

In this report the possibility to optimize the mass of a sandwich plate that TAM produces have been reviewed. Dimensions of the plate is 2602mm x 2404mm with a core thickness of 40mm, top facing of 3mm and bottom facing of 1mm. To simplify the computations they calculate with uniform facings of 1mm. The function of the sandwich plate is to lift livestock with wires that are fastened in the four corners. The maximum load conditions is set to be a uniformly distributed load of 20.000N and to withstand the impact forces, the top facing has an increased thickness. The analytical computations gives that a plate that is 11mm thicker, but have a significantly lower density gives a lower mass and less deflection than the original plate. The results given by ANSYS APDL confirms the analytical computations, but the results from ANSYS Workbench is concluded to be unreliable for sandwich constructions. The increase in thickness should not affect the overall use of the plate since it still fits in the frame, and the frame is significantly thicker than both the new and original plate