Experimental and numerical failure analysis of vertical rods used in paper molding machine

Abstract

A failure investigation has been conducted on the vertical rods which used in paper molding machines. The vertical rods are important elements for paper molding machines to support press forces. Each of the vertical rods that are analyzed was broken into two parts in service. The two failed vertical rod specimens were exposed to various tests such as visual inspection, chemical analysis, hardness measurement, metallographic examination with optical and scanning electron microscopes. A stress analysis was also carried out by the finite element technique for the determination of highly stressed regions on the vertical rods. The results indicated that due to high stress concentrations, the vertical rods failed by fatigue with cracks initiated at the surface close to the shoulder region which has sharp corner. © 2013 ASM International.