Analyzed a completely new lift truck design leveraging existing commercially viable designs from other manufacturers. The mechanical analysis included the whole lift truck structure from boom to hydraulic cylinders to engine compartment frame to the axles. The FEA model (Femap) used plates, beams, rigid links, gap elements, solid elements, and springs. The boom truck was exercised through its design envelope on the computer and optimized for strength and weight.
Modeling Notes: The final engineering design was built and lift tests were performed. All design criteria were met and the lift truck is now in production.