RIDE VEHICLE VALIDATION
KEYWORDS: Amusement, Themed Entertainment, Finite Element Analysis
This project entailed a thorough structural analysis of a 20-passenger shoot-the-chute amusement ride vehicle chassis. The evaluation focused on ensuring structural integrity, passenger safety and regulatory compliance. All design and analysis efforts adhered to key international standards including ASTM F2291, EN 13814 and GB 8408.
Key Highlights:
- Finite Element Modelling (FEM): Detailed FE modelling of steel chassis components was performed, with approximations for composite guest compartments, restraint systems, and auxiliary structures to accurately simulate load transfer behaviour.
- Load Case Development: Analytical calculations and a critical review of the vehicle ride path were used to define realistic and extreme load scenarios, including normal operation, sudden start/stop, anti-roll bar (ARB) engagement, water impact and guest inertia effects.
- Fastener Validation: All critical fasteners were evaluated using proprietary InDepth Fastener Validation Software™, ensuring reliability under dynamic and fatigue loads.
- Fatigue and Strength Assessment: The chassis was analysed for fatigue resistance and strength under repeated and rare loading conditions, confirming its durability and safety throughout the ride lifecycle.