Fall 2002
Project #1
Figure 1 shows a forklift truck negotiating a 15-degree ramp to drive
onto a 4-ft-high loading platform. The truck weighs 5000 lb and has a 42-in
wheelbase.
1. What is the length of the
ramp?
2. How can you model the ramp?
3. Design two (one for each
side) 1-ft-wide steel ramps. Ensure that stress and deflections are acceptable.
4. Design the hinges of the
ramps.
5. Compare your design with a
comparable commercial product.
Notes
1. Assume that loads are
static.
2. Design the ramp for the
worst-case scenario. Justify your answer.
