Salah Kassem

Design and analysis of light weight ramp used between train and platform​

This project presents a lighter and safer model of a portable ramp to be used between train and platform. The modelling and analysis were completed using SolidWorks 2020.

Introduction

• Horizontal and vertical gaps between platforms and trains are a major concern for disabled passengers using the railways​
• These gaps are of great risk to passengers because they form trip and fall hazards​
• Existing ramps are either bulky and heavy or difficult to set up, hence they are time-consuming and can fatigue the operator

FEA Analysis

• FEA static stress simulation is conducted using SolidWorks 2020, to obtain and determine the Von Mises stress, displacement, and factor of safety
• An appropriate fine mesh is selected, using 2nd order meshing, through the application of a mesh independence test. The optimal mesh has been estimated to have reached independence at 64888 elements​

Chosen Material​

• PA6/E-glass fibre, is the selected material as it satisfies the constraints of the component
• The GRANTA EduPack 2020 tool, level 3, was used in the process of material selection

Numerical results

Mesh independence test

The mesh independence test has been estimated to have reached independence at approximately 64888 elements with a Von Mises stress of 8.673E+01.

Key findings

• The final product weighed 10.3 kg; hence it is 36% lighter than the average available portable ramps
• The obtained results show that this model is viable and capable of withstanding the maximum loads at any location
• The maximum stress obtained is only 30% of the material’s yield strength hence the model will not reach plasticity when exposed to loads
• The minimum factor of safety obtained (3.3) is safe enough to stop the model from failing
• The validation of material selection was successfully carried out using GRANTA EduPack 2020 method. The results showed that PA6/E-glass fibre is the best suitable material for the construction and fabrication of the train portable ramp. Taking the results of analysis into perspective it can be concluded that PA6/E-glass fibre is the best material.

Download Salah's project overview poster (PDF) (this pdf document is not fully accessible but the contents within it can be viewed via the content on this page)