Numerical Evaluation of Contemporary Excavator Bucket Designs using Finite Element Analysis

Bucket is key and primary component of heavy construction machinery such as excavators. It has to bear high impact loads during digging process, resulting in large stress deformations. This research work been focused on reducing deformations produced excavator bucket due digging. For this purpose, different design patents buckets (including ornamental designs) were considered. Various models developed by varying geometrical parameters number blade teeth/tips curvature. Finite element analysis these was carried out using ANSYS order determine strains. Maximum values Von Mises stress, principal factor safety total deformation evaluated numerically for all three-dimensional geometric models. Excavator with least deformations, but largest safety, identified through numerical computations. Mechanical performance having quarter circular curvature 6 teeth observed be better compared designs single strip or 5 teeth. Mass reduction up 2.5%, while the enhancement 9.6% achieved incorporating bucket.