Analysis and redesign of a vehicle jack by finite element method

Machine design analyzed by computer-assisted software tools before mass production, reduces failure costs that may arise during the production phase or in use and thereby minimizing total product cost and development time. Computer-aided analyses are preferred to destructive testing due to low cost. In this study, the static analysis of multi-part machine systems (a jack) made of steel with high yield strength, was carried out to examine the behavior of it under a constant load. the analysis was carried out in three states; (1) open, (2) semi-open and (3) close state of the jack assembly. A constant force was applied on the jack in all of three states, and 3 different meshing structures were generated. As a result, maximum and minimum stresses, and displacement, and safety factor in the assembly and its sub-systems (components) affecting its required performance was obtained. The safety factor showed that the proposed design met required performance and the results of the static analyses were acceptable.