Optimization of the bucket wheel boom length using structural reliability approach

Abstract

In this paper, structural reliability is applied to compare the original bucket wheel boom (BWB) of excavator SchRs 740 and the series of boom structures obtained by lengthening the original boom from 0 to 10 m. Stress field of BWE is acquired using finite element method. Then, stresses and yield criterion are modeled using probability density functions to account for uncertainties in their randomness. This stochastic approach is used to determine BWB’s reliability, reliability index and probability of failure, with respect to various cases of optimization, namely, structure lengthening. Consequently, it enabled the evaluation, quantification and comparison of overall response of the similar structures taking into account range of stress rather than conventionally based single value approach. So, structural reliability approach can be used to evaluate, compare similar structures and thus, provide more sophisticated assessment than most of the structural analysis that are deterministic in their nature.