Simulation and analysis of the impact forces on bucket tooth using FEM

Bucket teeth are critical components of excavators, as they serve as the primary interface between the machine and the soil during excavation operations. This study focuses on a static structural analysis of a Caterpillar (K130 220-9133) bucket tooth, manufactured from X200Cr12 hard alloy steel. A three-dimensional model was developed using SOLIDWORKS 2022, accurately replicating the actual dimensions of the bucket tooth. The structural analysis was conducted using ABAQUS 6.20, with the bucket tooth constrained at the adapter side and subjected to an applied load on its ground contact surface. To enhance the precision of the results, mesh refinement was applied to regions exhibiting high stress concentration, with element sizes reduced to as fine as 0.1 mm. The simulation results revealed a maximum equivalent Von Mises stress of 341.4 MPa, well within the material’s yield stress limit, thereby confirming the structural integrity and safety of the design. Additionally, the equivalent Von Mises strain was calculated at 0.01462 mm, providing insights into the deformation behavior of the bucket tooth under operational loads. This analysis contributes to understanding the mechanical performance of bucket teeth and highlights the importance of advanced modeling and simulation techniques in optimizing their durability and efficiency in excavation tasks.