# Evaluation of Accelerator Pedal Strength under Critical Loads Using the Finite Element Method
## 6 Conclusions  
Results presented in the current research allow us to draw final conclusions about the applicability of simulation tests using the FEA method in the Ansys environment (Transient Structural and Explicit Dynamics) to assess the strength of a mechanical pedal in various operating conditions.  
1. The obtained concordance of results between experimental and simulated tests (less than 10%) indicates the sufficient economic efficiency of the pedal behavior research methodology proposed in the work.
2. The studied method will be useful for design studios, where engineers are involved in the development of new pedals, and in workplace layout investigations. At the same time, the theoretical knowledge presented in the article regarding the explicit and implicit approaches in FEA leads to the idea that the explicit-type calculations used in Ansys are very resource-intensive: they require a setting of a very small time step and a huge number of iterations; thus, the calculation requires a lot of hours on sufficiently powerful equipment. For this reason, an optimization of the structure and strength of the pedal in the Ansys Transient Structural environment is first recommended, and then the use of the Explicit Dynamic environment just at the final stage, for crash tests.  
3. The lack of regulatory requirements for the strength of pedal types other than brake pedals is a major gap in vehicle certification, especially when it comes to agricultural machinery (such as tractor K 744R, as in the presented study). In such cases, the authors suggest being guided by UNECE R 13 regarding the strength of the accelerator and other types of pedals, and checking their behavior under loads of at least 1000 N. The studied pedal, EAAH-MFP02-2340, used on tractor K 744R, withstood over twice the standard load (2255 N), which coincided with experimental studies within a 10% margin of error.
4. For a comprehensive assessment of the pedal's strength, its behavior must be modeled in complex, taking into account the simulation of the cable and the corresponding executive unit along with the application of reactions and other boundary conditions. Determining the failure loads is not a sufficient result; it is also necessary to check the intermediate stress values depending on the loads. For this, it is advisable to carry out calculations for direct and hybrid tasks using the Transient Structural module. The Explicit Dynamics module should be used for the simulation of pedal rupture (stress was 124 MPa, which exceeded the yield point).
5. The real meaning of the yield strength of the material (Silumin 4000, in our case) is very important, both in the physical real-life experiments and in the FEA imitation. The way the casting was produced (free cast or under high pressure) significantly influences the total strength of the pedal and its safety margin; hence, it could be suggested to apply an ultimate strength condition based on yield strength and to install a tensor strain gauge on the pedal, which would break off in case the load exceeds 1000 N. This strain gauge could be recommended to be installed on each pedal and its investigation could be the topic of further research.  
Conceptualization: [PERSON], O.H., E.K. and I.K.; methodology: [PERSON], O.H. and S.B.; validation: [PERSON], V.P.; investigation: [PERSON]; data curation: [PERSON] and R.H.; writing: [PERSON] and [PERSON]; writing--review and editing: [PERSON], [PERSON] and M.C.; visualization: [PERSON], O.B. and A.L.; supervision: [PERSON], [PERSON], [PERSON] and M.C. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This research received no external funding.  
Not applicable.  
Since no new data were generated or examined in this study, data sharing does not apply to this article.  
We would like to express our gratitude to [PERSON] and [PERSON] for their active help in a creation of this paper.  
The authors declare no conflict of interest.