Transcript Slide 1

OPTIMIZATION OF A PAPER RIVER BRIDGE
Kevin Picklesimer, John Fishback, Peter Nicolardi, Jim Bard
University of Rochester - Department of Mechanical Engineering
Abstract
The purpose of this experiment was to design a bridge
that would hold a maximum load using a minimum
amount of material. The material used is 6061-T651
aluminum metal. This poster explains the two main
processes (design and simulation) gone though during
the creation of this bridge.
Design
The bridge is designed to maintain maximum strength
and stability while keeping the overall mass of the
structure minimized. The relatively large width of the
bridge is intended to help stabilize the structure laterally
when a live load is applied. Holes are drilled into the
Simulation
bridge to reduce weight. The holes are placed in areas
where ANSYS analyses showed no stress
concentrations.
A load of 376.8 pounds is applied in our simulations.
This causes the variations represented by the above
models. Loads of greater values are also applied to
help visualize points of failure. Based on our
simulations, the assembly should safely hold the
estimated weight of 376.8 pounds.
Conclusion
Though testing has not yet been completed, the
analyses provided by ANSYS Workbench have allowed a
hypothesis to be formed: the designed bridge will
successfully hold the estimated load of 376.8 pounds.
With a bridge weight of 0.689 pounds, this load will yield
a Figure of Merit equal to 546.88.