[SOLUTION] The Performance Index

MATERIAL SELECTION FOR A RIPPERSelect the material for a ripper to be used in a bulldozer. The ripper works as a beam with a distributed load. The maximum working depth of the ripper is 0.6 m and the maximum load is the traction force of the bulldozer (60 kN). Figure 2 shows views of both ripper and bulldozer as well as simplified view to be used in this exercise. This is an open exercise.(a) (b) (c)Figure 2: (a) ripper’s view, (b) schematic simplified diagram of ripper, (c) bulldozer view.You will need to decide extra constraints and find out the equations for a beam. You will need to decide your objective and to compare the results with real world materials. You will need to translate the problem, derive the performance index or indexes, select some screening constraint and select the actual material graphically.You have to document the whole selection process.[Hint 1]: You may select materials with minimum mass or minimum cost or both as your objective. You will have to decide your own dimensions for the ripper and the constraints.[Hint 2]: 20 percent of the total mark for this question will be assessed for the clear definition of the problem and for writing down the necessary equations used in the problem.[Hint 3]: 40 percent of the total mark for this question will be assessed for the derivation of the material index with correct material performance equation.[Hint 4]: 40 percent of the total mark for this question will be assessed to the use of GRANTA EduPack for the material selection.Reminder , as it is an open exercise, each student is expected to have a unique solution as definition of the problem will be unique.