@article {102185,
	title = {FATIGUE AND CRACK PROPAGATION STUDY IN THE KNEE LOCKING MECHANISM OF A SEMI-AUTOMATIC BLOWING MACHINE},
	journal = {U.P.B. Sci. Bull., Series D},
	volume = {87},
	number = {3},
	year = {2025},
	abstract = {
	This study investigates the fatigue degradation and crack propagation in the locking mechanism of PET bottle blow molding machines, focusing on the impact of elliptical cracks on the mechanism{\textquoteright}s performance and longevity. The locking mechanism, which plays a vital role in securing the mold during the blow molding process, is subjected to repeated loading, making it susceptible to fatigue damage. Using a combination of finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental methodologies, we examine the stress distribution, deformation, and displacement in the mechanism under operational loads. The study identifies the most stressed component and models the behavior of an elliptical crack located at the center of this component. A stress intensity factor (K) of 3.7553 MPa.mm-0.5 is found, indicating significant risk in the crack region. Fatigue analysis using Goodman{\textquoteright}s law predicts a service life of one million cycles with a safety factor of 2.08. These findings highlight the need for targeted design and maintenance strategies to enhance the reliability and durability of PET blow molding machines.

},
	url = {https://www.scientificbulletin.upb.ro/static/pdfs/full3fb_907769.pdf},
	author = {DJENNANE, Abdallah and Zidani, Kamel and Benbouta, Rachid}
}
