Stability optimization of aerial work platforms based on multi-factor finite element analysis

This paper focuses on a novel high-altitude work vehicle with spider-like outriggers (spider vehicle) as the research subject, providing a brand-new stability optimization method. When the traditional stability coefficient method falls short in calculating stability, it requires continuous adjustment of various stability-influencing factors to meet design requirements, resulting in cumbersome calculations and insufficient optimization. This study first employs finite element analysis (FEA) to calculate the outrigger reaction forces, it proposes a multivariable response surface optimization method using four stability-influencing factors: outrigger span, counterweight, counterweight position, and slewing platform position as design variables and outrigger reaction forces as optimization parameters. After optimization, the minimum outrigger reaction force has increased to 502.4 N, and the maximum equivalent stress decreased by 37.1MPa, representing a 13% improvement. This enhances the outrigger reaction forces and thereby improves the stability of the spider vehicle. The accuracy of the finite element analysis used in this study and the compliance of the optimized outrigger reaction forces with design requirements were verified using the analytical method. The stability coefficient method confirmed that the stability also meets the requirements, with an overall stability improvement of 18.6%. This proves the correctness of the proposed optimization method. Additionally, the degree of influence of each stability factor on the outrigger reaction forces was analyzed, providing a new approach for improving the stability and design efficiency of the spider vehicle.