Advanced Methodologies for Fatigue in Agricultural Machinery: Integrating Multibody Dynamics and Finite Element Analysis

In an era of rapid technological advancements and increasing demands for efficiency, safety, and durability in engineering systems, the study of fatigue resistance has become crucial. Accurately predicting fatigue life allows engineers to design more resilient structures, reduce maintenance costs, and prevent catastrophic failures with severe safety and economic consequences. This research investigates advanced methods for analyzing fatigue in mechanical systems, with a focus on agricultural machinery. By combining multibody dynamics (MBD) and finite element analysis (FEA), the study addresses the challenges of durability in components essential to the performance and operational lifespan of agricultural vehicles. The empirical analysis centers on the cleaning system of a combine harvester, using simulations to predict fatigue life and identify critical failure points. The integration of flexible body dynamics into the MBD model enabled a more accurate representation of the system's dynamic properties, with simulation results validated by experimental data. The study highlights the advantages of combining MBD and FEA for fatigue analysis, offering insights into broader applications in mechanical design and contributing to the development of safer, more durable agricultural machinery.