TITLE:
FEA-Based Structural Evaluation of Heavy-Duty Automotive Lift Systems
AUTHORS:
Srinath Rajure
KEYWORDS:
Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Automotive Lift System, Structural Evaluation, Von Mises Stress, Factor of Safety
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Engineering and Technology,
Vol.14 No.4,
November
10,
2026
ABSTRACT: A heavy-duty automotive car lift is usually employed, primarily for the purpose of providing structural strength and safety, in the maintenance and repair of motor vehicles. Structural reliability and safety are among the most important uses of heavy-duty car lifts in vehicle maintenance and repair, and are closely related to high lifting duties. The purpose of this study is to investigate a generic, four-post heavy-duty lift system in the automotive industry using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in a realistic structural investigation to determine the regions of high stress for analysis of good load-bearing performance in the automotive industry. A three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) model was developed and analyzed for the maximum rated vehicle loads. Structural responses like von Mises stress, total deformation, and factor of safety were numerically analyzed using linear static analysis. A parametric study was also performed to examine how varying the applied loads and structural member thickness would affect system performance in order to gain insight into these parameters. The analysis results indicate that the loads applied to the structure do not surpass the material’s yield strength, and that the observed deformations are within permissible service specifications, both favorable aspects indicating that the proposed design is structurally adequate. Member thickness was an important factor, with thicknesses significantly lowering deflections and stress concentrations, leading to good stability. In the field of auto maintenance, the proposed method in this paper is a new technique that can be applied to the primary design, Analysis and Optimization of heavy-duty automotive lift system, and is cost-effective and efficient.