# FEA for Optimizing Design and Fabrication of Frame Structure of Elevating Work Platforms
## 3 Results
### Criteria Analisys for Evaluation
#### 3.1.5 Comparative Discussion and Practical Implications  
The results indicate that HSLA Steel provides the best overall performance, balancing strength, low deformation, and extended fatigue life. As an alternative material for the application in agricultural purposes, mainly in pruning, we can apply the Alloy (EN-AW 2014). The performance of the material is less competitive compared with HSLA, but the weight of the platform, with similar geometry of the component, allows for reducing the load three-point linkage of the tractor by about 60% and to lower the center of gravity of the platform in static conditions [9; 20; 21].  
Although the performance parameters of Alloy (EN-AW 2014) are acceptable in terms of safety, wanting to improve them and bring them closer to those of HSLA, one could think about redesigning the geometry of the arm, increasing the sections or thicknesses; although this operation may generate an increase in the weight of the structure, it would still guarantee a lower weight of the entire system.  
Based on the FEA results, optimization strategies can be proposed by reinforcing local sections of the telescopic arm that experience higher stresses, using variable wall thickness or additional stiffening ribs. These strategies aim to maintain or enhance structural performance while still achieving weight savings. Additionally, targeted optimization could focus on fatigue-critical regions identified through modal and fatigue analyses.  
The modal analysis revealed that the first three natural frequencies are sufficiently above the working frequency range, minimizing the risk of resonance during typical pruning operations. However, further investigation of mode shapes suggests potential local deformations near connection points that could be mitigated through design refinements. Fatigue analysis indicated that HSLA steels can endure significantly higher load cycles compared to aluminum alloys, aligning with their higher FOS and lower deformation, supporting their use in high-cycle operational scenarios typical of agricultural EWPs.  
Overall, the analysis demonstrates that by selecting materials with favorable mechanical properties and optimizing the geometry accordingly, safer, lighter, and more cost-effective EWPs can be developed. Such improvements are essential in agricultural contexts where equipment must balance performance and efficiency. Future studies should  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c} \hline \hline
**Material** & **Mass** & **Percentage Mass Reduction** \\  & **(kg)** & **Compared to Mild Steel (\%)** \\ \hline Aluminium Alloy (EN-AW 1200) & 74.81 & 59.44 \\ Aluminium Alloy (EN-AW 2014) & 74.81 & 59.44 \\ High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel (Fe275 JR) & 184.45 & 0.00 \\ High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel (S700) & 184.45 & 0.00 \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 5: Mass and percentage mass reduction.  
integrate advanced optimization techniques (e.g., topology optimization) to refine the structure further and enhance field performance.  
To further improve the structural behavior, future studies should apply advanced optimization techniques such as parametric optimization, sensitivity analysis, and topology optimization. These tools allow for a more accurate identification of critical parameters--such as wall thickness, reinforcement distribution, and joint stiffness--that most significantly influence stress concentrations and deflection. Moreover, multi-objective optimization algorithms could be used to simultaneously balance weight reduction, safety factor enhancement, and fatigue life extension, particularly under variable wind and service loads.