DOI : https://doi.org/10.62527/ijasce.8.2.283

The Structural Design and Optimization of an Industrial Lift Platform Using Composite Profiles

Mayur S. Awale (1), Sanjaykumar Gawade (2)
(1) Master in Design Engineering, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, India
(2) Rajarambapu Institute of Technology (RIT), Urun-Ishwarpur, India
Fulltext View | Download
How to cite (IJASCE) :
Awale , M. S., & Gawade, S. (2026). The Structural Design and Optimization of an Industrial Lift Platform Using Composite Profiles. International Journal of Advanced Science Computing and Engineering, 8(2), 39–45. https://doi.org/10.62527/ijasce.8.2.283
Citation Format :

The structural design and optimization of an industrial lift platform through the application of composite profiles, specifically sandwich structures, to enhance performance characteristics compared to conventional metallic (steel)designs. The primary goal is to significantly reduce the platform's overall weight without compromising essential safety factors and functional requirements, such as load-bearing capacity and stiffness. The methodology under development involves detailed 3D models of the lift platform using CAD software and performing extensive structural analyses, typically the Finite Element Method (FEM) in software like ANSYS Workbench. Various composite material properties and cross? sectional geometries (e.g., triangular, rectangular, circular cores) are explored and compared under simulated operational conditions, including static and dynamic loads. Optimization techniques, such as topology and size optimization, are applied to determine the most efficient design parameters for the composite structure. The results consistently demonstrate that platforms can achieve substantial weight savings, often in the range of 19% to 50% compared to steel structures, while meeting or exceeding strength and deflection limits. The findings confirm the technical feasibility and practical implications of using composite profiles for lightweight, high-performance industrial lift platforms, leading to potential benefits in cost savings, energy efficiency, and ease of transport. The study technically validates the feasibility of utilizing optimized composite sandwich profiles in the design of industrial lift platforms. Implementing these materials reduces weight, translating into practical benefits such as lower operational costs, improved energy efficiency, and longer service life. The outcomes of this research provide a robust design framework for future lightweight industrial-machinery components.

R. R. Mane and D. D. Date, "Design and analysis of composite structure for industrial platforms," Int. J. Res. Appl. Sci. Eng. Technol., vol. 10, no. 8, pp. 557–562, Aug. 2022, doi:10.22214/ijraset.2022.46244.

V. D. Reddy, A. Gopichand, G. Nirupama, and G. Krishnaiah, "Design and fabrication of corrugated sandwich panel using Taguchi method," Int. J. Design Manuf. Technol., vol. 4, no. 2, Jul. 2013, doi:10.34218/ijdmt.4.2.2013.30320130402001.

K. G. Ambule and D. K. P. Kolhe, "FEM and experimental analysis of stainless steel sandwich panels for weight reduction," IJIRST Int. J. Innovative Res. Sci. Technol., vol. 3, no. 2, 2016.

M. R. Tale, K. R. Sontakke, and P. K. Satav, "Design analysis and optimization of industrial lift platform base on composite structural sandwich plate," Int. J. Res. Advent Technol. (IJRAT), 2015.

N. Pokharel and M. Mahendran, "Finite element analysis and design of sandwich panels subject to local buckling effects," Thin-Walled Struct., vol. 42, no. 4, pp. 589–611, Apr. 2004, doi:10.1016/j.tws.2003.08.002.

A. Fernández-San Miguel, L. Ramírez, I. Couceiro, and F. Navarrina, "A comparative review of FEM like techniques applied to the linear analysis of molecular structures," Arch. Comput. Methods Eng., vol. 32, no. 7, pp. 4447–4474, Mar. 2025, doi: 10.1007/s11831-025-10272-1.

L. A. Carlsson, T. Nordstrand, and B. Westerlind, "On the elastic stiffnesses of corrugated core sandwich," J. Sandwich Struct. Mater., vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 253–267, Oct. 2001, doi: 10.1106/bkjf-n2tf-aq97-h72r.

P. K. Gangurde, N. P. Slunke, and P. K. Satav, "A review paper on design analysis and optimization of crane platform base on composite structural sandwich plate," Int. J. Creative Res. Thoughts (IJCRT), vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 2753–2755, Dec. 2017.

S. A. Manoharrao and R. S. Jamgekar, "Design and analysis of hydraulic scissor lift by FEA," Int. Res. J. Eng. Technol. (IRJET), vol. 3, no. 10, pp. 1277–1292, 2016.

J. Y. R. Liew, J.-B. Yan, and Z.-Y. Huang, "Steel-concrete-steel sandwich composite structures-recent innovations," J. Constructional Steel Res., vol. 130, pp. 202–221, Mar. 2017, doi:10.1016/j.jcsr.2016.12.007.

F. C. Campbell, Structural Composite Materials. Materials Park, OH, USA: ASM International, 2010, doi:10.31399/asm.tb.scm.9781627083140.

J. R. Vinson and R. L. Sierakowski, "Introduction to composite materials," in Solid Mechanics and Its Applications. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer, pp. 1–38, doi: 10.1007/0-306-48414-5_1.

H. N. Dhakal and S. O. Ismail, "Lightweight composites, important properties and applications," in Sustainable Composites for Lightweight Applications. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier, 2021, pp. 53–119, doi: 10.1016/b978-0-12-818316-8.00006-2.

R. Phiri, S. Mavinkere Rangappa, S. Siengchin, O. P. Oladijo, and T. Ozbakkaloglu, "Advances in lightweight composite structures and manufacturing technologies: A comprehensive review," Heliyon, vol. 10, no. 21, p. e39661, Nov. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39661.

L. H. Hihara and R. M. Latanision, "Corrosion of metal matrix composites," Int. Mater. Rev., vol. 39, no. 6, pp. 245–264, Jan. 1994, doi: 10.1179/095066094790151026.

M. Bhong et al., "Review of composite materials and applications," Mater. Today: Proc., Oct. 2023, doi:10.1016/j.matpr.2023.10.026.

R. B. Heslehurst, Defects and Damage in Composite Materials and Structures. Boca Raton, FL, USA: CRC Press, 2014, doi:10.1201/b16765.

V. S. Sastri, Challenges in Corrosion. Hoboken, NJ, USA: Wiley, 2015, doi: 10.1002/9781119069638.

V. S. Agarwala and S. Ahmad, "Corrosion detection and monitoring – A review," in Proc. Corrosion 2000, Mar. 2000, pp. 1–19, doi:10.5006/c2000-00271.

P. K. Mallick, Fiber-Reinforced Composites. Boca Raton, FL, USA: CRC Press, 2007, doi: 10.1201/9781420005981.

M. W. Tosh and D. W. Kelly, "On the design, manufacture and testing of trajectorial fibre steering for carbon fibre composite laminates," Composites Part A: Appl. Sci. Manuf., vol. 31, no. 10, pp. 1047–1060, Oct. 2000, doi: 10.1016/s1359-835x(00)00063-4.

V. V. Vasiliev and E. V. Morozov, "Mechanics of a composite layer," in Advanced Mechanics of Composite Materials. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier, 2013, pp. 125–241, doi: 10.1016/b978-0-08-098231-1.00004-2.

B. Harris, Engineering Composite Materials. London, U.K.: IoM, 1999.

K. Bilisik, N. S. Karaduman, and N. E. Bilisik, "Fiber architectures for composite applications," in Textile Science and Clothing Technology. Singapore: Springer, 2016, pp. 75–134, doi: 10.1007/978-981-10-0234-2_3.