International Journal of Engineering Research and Advanced Technology (IJERAT) E-ISSN : 2454-6135 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7324/IJERAT.2018.3239 Volume.4, Issue 5 May -2018 www.ijerat.com Page 16 Finite Element Analysis and Optimization of CNG Cylinder Mounting Cradle for Four Wheeler Cargo Vehicle Avishkar S. Soate and Dr.R.R.Arakerimath Post Graduate Scholar and Professor and Head G.H. Raisoni College of Engineering & Management, Wagholi, Pune, India _______________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT The finite element analysis of CNG cylinder mounting cradle is done for checking the strength of mounting arrangement. The results obtained from the analysis of the existing proposal are used for creating the new CNG cylinder mounting proposal. The new proposal is based on optimization process. The finite element analysis for new proposal is also carried out for checking the strength for the loading conditions. By comparative study of analyses the best proposal is suggested for the CNG cylinder mounting cradle. Keywords: CNG cylinder mounting cradle, FE analysis, Gravity Analysis. _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ I. INTRODUCTION The CNG cylinder mounting cradle is an arrangement for holding the CNG cylinder on vehicle itself. The existing arrangement of CNG cylinder mounting cradle for four wheeler cargo vehicle is analyzed for its strength. The FE analysis is necessary to make the design safer in all the loading conditions. On the basis of obtained results the new optimized proposal for the mounting cradle is made and again it is checked for its strength and the manufacturability. The steps involved in FEA process are pre- processing, processing and post- processing. In the pre- processing the geometry of the model is defined and mastering is done for any error in the geometry then constrains, mechanical properties and load are defined. Altair Hypermesh 17.2 is used for the pre- processing of the mounting cradle analysis. In processing geometry, properties, materials, loading conditions are applied to generate matrix equation for each element. Using the value of deflection the stress, strain is calculated. The results are stored and can be used in post processing. Altair Optistruct 17.2 solver is used for processing analysis. In post processing Results obtained in solving step are usually in the form of raw data and difficult to interpret. In post processing means post analysis, a computer aided designing program is utilized to manipulate the data for generating deflected shape of the structure. We can also get stress plots and also animation result. Altair Hyperview 17.2 is used for post- processing of analysis. II. METHODOLOGY In this work, linear static analysis and gravity analysis were done to determine the behavior of the CNG cylinder mounting bracket. A. Gravity Analysis Gravity analysis determines the strength of the components to withstand against the gravity loads. It also gives the location of failure on the component. 3G bump, 2G braking and 1G cornering these gravity loads are analyzed. These loads are calculated in R&D department by various testing on vehicle on pave.