Design and Analysis of a Hydraulic Cylinder for a Soil Cone Penetrometer using Finite Element Analysis

Author: Abhishek Patel, Vishal Bector, Manjeet Singh and Apoorv Prakash

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Abstract

This research paper presents a comprehensive study on the development of a CAD model and the analysis of a hydraulic cylinder for a soil cone penetrometer using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The primary objective was to design and optimize the different components of the tractor-operated penetrometer to ensure accurate measurement of soil compaction while ensuring the reliability of the components. Selection of different components with strength and reliability is difficult in short time. Cone index measurements were taken at three different locations: Punjab (Ludhiana), Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal), and Maharashtra (Akola), resulting in values of 3793 kPa, 4042 kPa, and 5324 kPa, respectively. Hydraulic flow and design calculations were conducted at a standard insertion speed of 30 mm/s, and the maximum force observed was 3225 N. The cylinder diameter was determined to be 63 mm, with oil flow of 5.61 l/min in the extracting condition and 7.48 l/min in the retracting stroke at the insertion speed. Therefore, structural analysis was done to determine the stress analysis using finite element method. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was employed to evaluate the structural integrity and performance of the penetrometer prior to fabrication. The FEA analysis was conducted on the cylinder tube at a pressure of 15 MPa, and the results showed total deformation, equivalent von Mises stress, and Factor of Safety to be 0.023 mm, 170.9 MPa, and 1.45, respectively. Overall, the research highlights the successful selection and analysis of the hydraulic cylinder for the soil cone penetrometer, providing valuable insights into its performance and reliability in accurately measuring soil compaction and withstand the double load.

Keywords

Cone Penetrometer, Cone Index, Hydraulic Cylinder, ANSYS, Finite Element Analysis

Conclusion

Soil cone index measurement was done at three different locations of India by the digital cone penetrometer and found the 5324 kPa and 3225 N force and considered for the design calculation of different components. Theoretical and CAD model of soil cone penetrometer was done with the finite element approach for the selection of material, thickness and mitigate with the standard components as per considering the factor of safety. Forward speed or insertion speed of hydraulic cylinder was 30 mm.s-1 with the cylinder diameter of 63 mm, oil flow in forward speed was 5.61 l.min-1 and in return stroke was 7.48 l.min-1. For the analysis of cylinder tube with steel material, the maximum and minimum total deformation was (0.023 & 0.0246 mm), equivalent stress was (125.45 & 170.9 MPa) and FOS was (1.45 & 15). All the critical components were designed and selected after the finite element analysis and will work with the reliability. After getting the result the components can be fabricated and for the actual development of tractor operated soil cone penetrometer.

References

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How to cite this article

Abhishek Patel, Vishal Bector, Manjeet Singh and Apoorv Prakash (2023). Design and Analysis of a Hydraulic Cylinder for a Soil Cone Penetrometer using Finite Element Analysis. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(8a): 292-299.