Fatigue failure analysis of washing machine top frame under cyclic loading – an investigative study in mitigating market complaint ; Análisis de fallas de fatiga del marco superior de la lavadora bajo la carga cíclica: un estudio de investigación mitigando la queja del mercado ; Análise de falha de fadiga do quadro superior da máquina de lavar sob carga cíclica - um estudo de investigação na mitigação de queixa do mercado

This study paper looks into the structural integrity and failure mechanisms of washing machine top frames, with the goal of improving household appliance durability and reliability. Critical regions prone to fatigue failure were identified using SolidWorks software. Stress analysis and deformation analysis revealed the failure prone areas but upon assessing the costs associated with designing new molds for modified design and performing the breakeven calculation, we decided to go with an approach of using an alternate material which will not cause any change in existing mold. Polycarbonate (PC) with 50% long glass fiber reinforcement, were investigated to improve fatigue resistance. A new top frame of this material was made along with existing material ABS. Testing on a door simulator machine demonstrated a considerable improvement in durability, with the PC-based top frame demonstrating a 1128% increase in cycle endurance over the ABS counterpart. Top frame made up of ABS broke after 297 cycles and PC with 50% long glass fiber top frame broke after 3697 cycles. These findings highlight the significance of systematic design optimization and material selection for assuring long-term performance and safety in washing machine top frames. ; Este documento de estudio analiza los mecanismos de integridad y falla estructural de los mejores marcos de la lavadora, con el objetivo de mejorar la durabilidad y la confiabilidad del aparato doméstico. Las regiones críticas propensas a la falla de fatiga se identificaron utilizando el software SolidWorks. El análisis del estrés y el análisis de deformación revelaron las áreas propensas a la falla, pero al evaluar los costos asociados con el diseño de nuevos moldes para el diseño modificado y realizar el cálculo de equilibrio, decidimos ir con un enfoque de usar un material alternativo que no causará ningún cambio en el molde existente. Se investigaron policarbonato (PC) con un refuerzo de fibra de vidrio 50% largo para mejorar la resistencia a la fatiga. Se realizó un nuevo ...