CAD / Finite element analysis
Vehicle Turntable — Structural FEM Analysis
Structural assessment of a vehicle turntable under several loading cases for a 3.5-tonne vehicle, identifying critical roller-shaft connections.
Study
Vehicle turntable structural assessment
Method
Finite element analysis (FEM)
Design load
3.5-tonne vehicle scenarios
Engineering case study
Project overview
The project examined the structural behaviour of a circular platform intended to support and rotate a vehicle. Multiple wheel positions and load cases were evaluated using finite element analysis to understand how loads transfer through the turntable structure.
Rather than assuming that the main frame required redesign, the analysis distinguished the behaviour of the overall supporting structure from the smaller components carrying concentrated loads.
Design / Realization
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Engineering development
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Project specifications
Technical details
- Study
- Structural assessment of a vehicle turntable
- Method
- Finite element analysis (FEM)
- Loading
- Scenarios involving a 3.5-tonne vehicle
- Critical area
- Roller-shaft connections
Load cases investigated
Different vehicle placements were reviewed to compare how loading affects the supporting structure and the small parts that carry it.
- Alternative wheel positions on the turntable
- Front-wheel impact scenario
- Partial-support conditions
- Diagonal vehicle placement
Findings
Within the cases examined, a diagonal vehicle position showed the most balanced load distribution. The more significant structural concern was found around the small roller shafts supporting the turntable, rather than the main turntable frame.
This pointed towards strengthening the roller-shaft connections as a more focused improvement than redesigning the complete structure.
Engineering significance
The case illustrates why examining component-level stress concentrations can be more informative than looking at an overall assembly alone. The objective was to locate critical load paths and use them to prioritize design improvements.
The analysis is a project-specific assessment, not a certification of load capacity or safety for another turntable.
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