The Hindustan Machines Tools (HMT) and the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Group of the National Informatics Centre are jointly carrying out a structural rigidity analysis for the Precision Chucker-10 (Lathe Machine). This Computer Numerically Controlled Lathe, designed by HMT, Bangalore, has a precision as high as 15 microns. Though HMT possesses some other commercial Finite Element software, NIC was approached for the analysis of this type of huge structure because of its technical expertise in the field.
The main objectives of the Project are:
- obtain the deflection pattern of the Lathe
- get the dynamic behaviour
- achieve material optimization
The data, presented in the form of machine drawings, is transformed to Finite Element Model by using the SESAM software. The SESAM Preprocessor Modules PREFEM, PREFRAME and PRESEL are used for creating the Finite Element Module. The work is being done on the CYBER-180/830 computer system.
For ease in modelling, seven different components of the Lathe are modelled separately and then assembled using Superelement Technique. The components are Cabinet Base, Béd, Intermediate Block, Headstock, X-Slide, Z-Slide and Tool Post Assembly. The complexity involved in this modelling can be appreciated by the fact that 2,360 points, 4,424 lines, 2,442 surfaces and 385 bodies had to be defined to create the Finite Element Mesh. The Finite Element Mesh consists nearly of 2,300 elements. The type of elements used include solid, shell and beam elements.
At present, the Finite Element results are being compared with the experimental results.
STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF HMT PC-10 MACHINE USING SESAM
LATHE Z-SLIDE