Finite Element Approach to Stress Analysis for Failure Prediction of a Six DOF Hybrid Kinematic Machine for On-Site Machining

This paper presents an approach for stress analysis of a six DOF hybrid kinematic machine for on-site machining. The finite element method is used in conducting the stress analysis. The main objective of the analysis is to predict component failure through analysis of stress distribution within the components of the entire hybrid kinematic machine. The procedure for applying finite element analysis as a numerical technique for solving complex engineering problems is outlined. The basic concept of the Von Mises theory of failure is also discussed in a bid to give an insight of the approach being utilized by the simulation software. The procedure for carrying out the finite element analysis is presented as comprising of three main stages (1) the pre-processing stage, (2) the solving stage and (3) the post processing stage. The simulation was conducted several times at different configurations until the convergence criteria were satisfied. Finally reports were generated and results for stresses, strain, displacements and factor of safety are presented.