Applicability of polymer composite materials in the development of tractor falling-object protective structures (FOPS)

Analysis of application efficiency of polymer composite materials (PCM) in the development of tractors falling-object protective structures with the use of finite element method and modern systems of engineering analysis (CAE) is done. An elasticity and fracture model of composite materials is developed. A series of virtual crash tests of the tractor cab is carried for both cases with and without PCM. On the basis of this research, a methodology of designing PCM roofs for tractor cabs is developed.