Evaluation of Deformation Behaviour of a Structural pipe Bracketunder Static Loading Using Finite Element Analysis

Evaluation of Deformation Behaviour of a Structural pipe Bracketunder Static Loading Using Finite Element Analysis

This study presents a comprehensive structural integrity assessment and comparative static
response analysis of an industrial support bracket subjected to varying mechanical loading
conditions using the finite element method (FEM). Industrial brackets are essential load-bearing
components in mechanical and structural systems, where adequate stiffness, strength, and
dimensional stability are critical for ensuring operational reliability and structural safety. The
primary objective of this investigation is to evaluate the influence of material selection on the
deformation characteristics of a standardized bracket geometry under identical static loading
conditions. A three-dimensional finite element (FE) model consisting of a rigid mounting base, a
curved transition region, and a horizontal cantilevered arm was developed in accordance with
standard industrial design specifications. Numerical simulations were performed using ANSYS
Workbench by considering two widely used engineering materials, namely Structural Steel
(50HS) and Aluminum Alloy (2024-T351). To improve solution accuracy and computational

convergence, localized mesh refinement was applied in regions exhibiting high stress and strain
gradients, particularly around the mounting holes and curved fillet transitions. Static structural
analyses were carried out by applying a fixed support at the mounting base and a uniformly
distributed vertical load at the free end of the cantilever arm. The resulting displacement
distributions, deformation profiles, and overall structural responses were systematically
evaluated and compared for both material configurations. Simulation results reveal that the
maximum elastic deformation consistently occurs at the free end of the cantilever due to its
lower structural restraint, whereas negligible deformation is observed near the fixed base,
confirming effective load transfer and structural stability. Although Aluminum Alloy exhibits
relatively higher elastic deformation because of its lower modulus of elasticity, Structural Steel
demonstrates superior stiffness with reduced deflection under identical loading conditions.
Nevertheless, the predicted deformation values for both materials remain well within acceptable
engineering safety limits, confirming the adequacy of the proposed bracket design for practical
industrial applications. The findings provide valuable insights into material selection and
structural optimization for the development of lightweight, durable, and high-performance
support brackets in mechanical engineering systems.

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