EGH414 Finite Element Analysis: Ladder Design, FEA, and Safety Factors

This report details a mechanical engineering project focused on the design and analysis of a ladder. The project begins with a geometrical model of the ladder, defining its dimensions and material properties (6000 series aluminum). Load conditions are established, including a person standing on the ladder at a specific angle. The project requires the development of an analytical solution for one of the ladder's legs, including free body diagrams, axial force, shear force, and bending moment diagrams, to determine the critical point and stresses. Furthermore, an ANSYS APDL model of the ladder is developed, with element selection and mesh density justifications. The results from the ANSYS model, including AFD, SFD, BMDs, and von Mises stress, are compared with analytical results. Finally, the ladder's fit-for-purpose is assessed by determining the safety factor, and design modifications are proposed to achieve a target safety factor, with FEA results to validate the changes.