Strength Analysis of an Elevator Bucket with a Movable Bottom and Side Springs Using ANSYS

This study presents a structural strength analysis of a metal elevator bucket equipped with a hinged movable bottom and side springs using the ANSYS Workbench finite element environment. The proposed design includes the consideration of spring pretension, which significantly influences the stress distribution and deformation behavior of the structure. A three-dimensional finite element model of the bucket was developed based on the design geometry and loading conditions generated by the grain mass. The pressure distribution of the bulk material was modeled using both a conservative uniform load approach and a depth-dependent pressure model. Special attention was given to mesh generation, contact definitions, spring modeling, and boundary conditions. The obtained numerical results were analyzed in terms of equivalent stresses, directional deformations, and mesh convergence. The maximum von Mises stress was found to be 154.66 MPa and was localized near the lower right joint of the bucket, where the movable bottom, side wall, and spring attachment interact. The obtained safety factor relative to the yield strength of structural steel St3 was estimated as 1.58. The results confirm that the critical structural zone is associated with the interaction of the movable bottom, namely the spring mechanism. Recommendations for structural reinforcement and further nonlinear dynamic analysis are proposed. The findings constitute a preliminary numerical assessment; physical validation is required before extending the conclusions to operational performance.