Implementation of Fatigue Strength Analysis of Washing Machine Drum Using Von Mises Approach

Abstract

The fatigue strength analysis of washing machine drum was analyzed using von mises approach. The expected life time of the washing machine drum with respect to fatigue strain at the welded parts was successfully estimated using Miner’s rule. From the results obtained it was observed that increasing the speed of the washing machine from 400 to 2200 rpm resultedto decrease in its life time from 120 to 20 months and this were attributed to increase in stress – strain concentration and then fatigue failure of the welded parts. Autodesk simulation of the washing drum activities at speeds and temperatures ranging from 400 to 2200 rpm and 30℃ to 120℃ respectively increased the von mises stress of the machine from 62 to 549Mpa. The simulation shows that increase in speed and temperature of the machine drum, decreased the fatigue limits of the welded thin sheets. Node shell element result of the strains at front, rear, and middle of the welded parts of the drum produced varying results at speeds in the range of 400 to 2200 rpm. Higher strains values ranging from 11 to 278 Mpa. Were obtained in the middle of the drum were stress concentration was more, which could be as a result of location of greater washing activity than in the front and rear side of the cylinder with less strain values (-1104 to -58Mpa), increase in speed (400- 2200 rpm) and the loads (10 to 100kg) in the washing machine drum were observed to increase the strain effects at the rear, front and middle of the cylinder.