STRAIN CHARACTERISTICS IN A UNIQUE PLATFORM INTEGRATED WITH TRUCK CHASSIS UNDER INTENSE LOAD

Present work deals with the process of determination of strain in a structural member under intense load for a typical Indian truck. Characteristics of mechanical strain at various locations on the structure are assessed. Strain gauge selection along with process of locating significant positions for strain measurement on the structure is described. Experimental process is employed for strain measurement. From the experimentation carried on the structure, the results reveal that the tri-axial stresses are dominant over bi-axial and uni-axial stresses at critical points on the structure. Contemporary data acquisition systems are utilized to acquire the strain signals. Computer simulation is carried out to have perception of the behavior of the structure under consideration. Static and Dynamic strain measurement is carried out at constant speeds on various tracks. As there are no assumptions involved in measurement like theoretical modeling and analysis, the experimental method provides the actual strain/stress values at the selected locations. Locations have been selected at cross-members where they are supported at the longitudinal members. As the stresses at these locations are not unidirectional, rosettes have been used to acquire strain in three directions. Linear strain gauges used at locations on longitudinal members