Abstract:
According to the mower continuous roll in the sloped area, the finite element model was developed based on the nonlinear finite element method, the strength analyses were performed. The force, deflection and absorbed energy were predicted and the possibility of the deformed ROPS trespassing into the clearance zone during a lateral continuous roll was also predicted. Finally, the field test was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of FE model. It shows that the results of FE model matched well with field test results. The ROPS did not intrude into the driver's survival space (Clearance Zone). The FE metod provides reliable foundation for the design of vehicle ROPS.