Section Modulus calculation and optimization

Title : Section Modulus calculation and Optimization report.

Objective of the given Challenge : To Calculate the Section Modulus of the Hood design and Optimizing the given Section to improve or increase the strength.

Solution :-

About Section Modulus : Its a Geometric property for a given cross-section used in the design of Beams or Flexural members. A beam that has a larger section modulus than another will be stronger and capable of supporting greater loads.

Mathematically section modulus is :

S = I/Y

Where,

I = Moment of Inertia (mm⁴)

Y = Distance from the neutral axis and outmost fiber (mm)

Result :

Total length of the Hood section : L = 877.2472 mm

Now we can calculate the Y

Y = L/2

Y = 877.2472/2

Y = 438.6236 mm

Initial cross-sectional Inertia analysis

Maximum Moment of Inertia M1 = 8.990760544 x 10^6 mm⁴

Minimum Moment of Inertia M2 = 2.769063088 x 10^4 mm⁴

We know that,

Section Modulus S = I/Y

S = M2/Y

S = 2.769063088 x 10^4/438.6236

Section Modulus (min) S = 63.13073642 mm³

Optimizing the Section :

In order to optimize the Section, I increased the distance between the curves of the inner and outer panels by 0.5 mm by taking offset from the inner panel curve and closed the curve.

Maximum Moment of Inertia, M1 = 8.974226495 x 10^6 mm⁴.

Minimum Moment of Inertia, M2 = 2.808350848 x 10^4 mm⁴.

And, we know that Section Modulus, S= I/Y

Optimized Section Modulus (min) S = M2/Y = (2.808350848 x 10^4 mm^4)/438.6236 = 64.02603957 mm³

Observation Table :

Initial Section Modulus ;	Optimized Section Modulus :
63.13073642 mm3.	64.02603957 mm3.

Final Conclusion : Hence, by increasing the gap between the panels by 0.5 mm, we have achieved an improved value of section modulus, thus strengthening the hood design.