Refrigerator Structural Stability Analysis and Correlation

Abstract

The work intends to develop a robust simulation methodology that is capable of evaluating the stability of a refrigerator body that resists tipping for test specified tipping load and loading conditions. Simulation methodology involves a detailed study of testing conditions and replicating the loading and boundary conditions in the simulation environment. Simulation is performed using the physics of nonlinear static structural analysis with iterative solution algorithms in commercial software package ANSYS. Further, simulation involves the technical complexity of incorporating varied test conditions from safety regulations, handling complex contact algorithms, overcoming nonlinearity, and obtaining model behavior with product falling. The simulation results are validated using experimental studies. It is observed that they are in good agreement within the margin of error range. The work intends to have robust simulation methodology and proven correlation so that simulation can be effectively incorporated in the early design cycle to optimize the design parts so as to satisfy tipping loads before tooling investment. The obtained results proved to be reliable and useful to predict and avoid failure in the final product and thus helped to ensure safety compliant designs.