Structural analysis of a washer machine cylinder

Abstract: This thesis focuses on the structural behavior of a washer machine cylinder. The cylinder is the component in the washing machine that rotates and keeps the laundry in place. The aim of this thesis is to determine the maximum load applied to the cylinder at which crack propagation occurs. Three experiments are performed to determine the structural behavior of the cylinder. Two experiments are performed to estimate mechanical properties i.e. stress-strain relation and critical fracture energy of the stainless steel sheet in use today. This is to derive a good estimation of the maximum load the cylinder can endure. The third type of experiment is performed to determine the strains on the outer surface of the cylinder when an evenly distributed load, 11 kg, and 2200 revolution per minute are applied on the inner surface of the cylinder. Three numerical models are performed from these three types of experiments which gives an estimation of the work to be done to propagate the crack at 15 kg and 2400 rpm. The question is if this load is overestimated to start crack propagation? This load is considerably higher than the washer machines operating speed.