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@article{207359,
        author = {Shaikh Kasifsohel Mahebubsab and Sachin Mallikarjun Nagure and Aatmling Narayanpure},
        title = {FEA-Based Structural Optimization of an Onion Harvester Chassis},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {3},
        pages = {558-563},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=207359},
        abstract = {The chassis of a self-propelled onion harvester is the primary load-bearing structure that supports the engine, gearbox, harvesting mechanism, hydraulic system, operator platform, and axle assembly, and its structural adequacy directly governs the reliability and safety of the machine under field conditions. This study presents the design, finite element based structural evaluation, and iterative optimization of an onion harvester chassis using a three-dimensional parametric CAD model developed in SOLIDWORKS Weldments and analysed using SOLIDWORKS Simulation. A total static operating load of approximately 5.0 kN, representing the combined weight of the mounted components and self-weight of the structure, was applied, and a dynamic amplification factor of 1.25 was used to account for field-induced operational effects. A beam-based finite element model with fixed boundary conditions at the axle mounting locations was solved through seven successive design iterations (Static 1 to Static 7), progressively introducing cross-members, truss elements, and local reinforcement. The optimized configuration (Static 7) reduced the maximum resultant deformation from 7.49 mm to 3.63 mm, a reduction of about 51.5%, while maintaining the maximum von Mises stress of 168.24 MPa well below the 351.57 MPa yield strength of the structural steel, corresponding to a factor of safety greater than 2.0. The results confirm that integrated CAD-FEA optimization is an effective, low-cost approach for validating and improving welded tubular chassis structures in agricultural machinery prior to fabrication.},
        keywords = {Onion harvester; Chassis design; Finite element analysis; SOLIDWORKS Simulation; Structural optimization; Von Mises stress; Factor of safety},
        month = {August},
        }