The linear static stress analysis results showed that a bearing could withstand loading 2.5 times the maximum-recommended load for the component. While the goal of the project was straightforward, the method of achieving it was not. The first approach to the problem was to perform a linear static stress analysis. However, it was discovered that the inherent limitations of static analysis made it unsuitable for studying the dynamic nature of the simulator. The problem arose in determining loads created by the accelerations of the multiple double-acting cylinders to use as input into a linear static stress analysis.
Control valves connect to the top and bottom of each cylinder.
Computer commands conduct unique multidirectional extension and retraction sequences for each of the cylinders. An accumulator provides for fluid surges, while a central hydraulic power unit provides a constant fluid pressure of 2,000 pounds per square inch. Due to the complexity of movement, it was not feasible to calculate the loading on the bearings from the six independently moving cylinders. A detailed solid model of the bearing was created in SolidWorks and captured directly in Algor using InCADPlus for SolidWorks, without translation to a neutral file format. The model was fully constrained at the stainless steel inset in the center of the bearing.