esign Challenge

e forklift $($Fig$.1)$ has a vehicle weight of $WV=12,500lb,$ fuel weight $WF,$ which is $300lb$ when fully fueled, and operator weight $WO.$ e drive wheels at $C$ are supported by a fixed axle, and the wheels at $D$ steer the vehicle. Determine the capacity rating, Pmax, for is forklift, assuming it is operated at a slow speed, on a smooth, level surface. The capacity rating is the maximum load this forklift designed to safely lift.

efollowing must be satisfied for the capacity rating you determine:

The capacity rating should be a large as possible while the forklift is still safe to operate.

The forklift should not tip forward regardless of who is operating the forklift $($or is unoccupied$)$ or how much fuel is in the tank.

The rear tires should support enough force so they are capable of steering the forklift. This requirement applies when the forklift is being driven, and thus the operator may be assumed to be seated on the forklift.

Design considerations:

Any dimensions or variables not given will need to be estimated by you, the designer.

The location of the force $P,$ which represents the load carried by the forklift, must be between points A and $B.$ The location of $P$ can be considered as acting through the loads center of gravity.

The steering requirement for the forklift to be safely operated is that the forces supported by the wheels at $D$ are at least $10\%$ of the forces supported by the wheels at C$.$

Deliverables $($what you need to submit to me$)$

A neatly sketched Free$-$Body$-$Diagram of the forklift showing all of the forces acting on it and their location.

Neat and easy to follow calculations showing how you determined the capacity rating. Show each step of your work.

A paragraph clearly stating how you determined the capacity rating and a description of any assumptions made