Numerical Analysis of Scissor Jack, Weight Reduction

Abstract

This study focuses on numerical analysis of a scissor Jack with a primary objective of weight reduction without losing the structural load carrying capacity under 1000 Ibs. SolidWorks software was used to simulate the Scissor Jack at the 45-degree angle in static mode. The stresses obtained in the simulation model were compared with the corresponding experimental values for verification of the model. This experiment was conducted using strain gauges under the same simulation condition. The Von Mises stresses were calculated using the experimental data, and then were compared with the corresponding values in the simulation model, which indicated a 4% error. This model was, then, used for weight reduction analysis. The weight reduction was accomplished by generating holes in the Scissor Jack truss members, which resulted in 23% weight reduction with a cost saving of $0.336 per pound of steel for each Scissor Jack, leading to $1,207,216 per 3,592,904 cars. In addition, a forced balanced analysis of the Scissor Jack under the same condition was calculated.