Usage of LS-DYNA in the Development of Professional Hammer Drills

The development of modern electric power tools for professional use requires special attention. Characteristic aspects such as efficiency and user comfort along with robustness and durability are always of importance to the manufacturer. For the fulfillment of these attributes computer-aided simulation combined with the finite element software LS-DYNA® is a central point during the development process at Black & Decker GmbH, i.e. from the predevelopment phase up to testing near series prototypes. The area of application of LS-DYNA® is not limited to classical drop test cases for devices (see Figure 1), but goes far beyond that. DeWALT uses LS-DYNA® for their hammer drill development in order to account for different hammer sub-assemblies and various structural mechanical concerns. Particularly during the hammer work interpretation regarding unwanted idle impacts, LS-DYNA® can simulate harmful shock waves in the drilling spindle and tool holder for the equipment. Further LS-DYNA® allows the computational illustration of the entire hammer drive train (see Fig. 2) as well as the simulation of comprehensive misuse. Based on case examples from the daily employment of LS-DYNA® in development practice the various types of applications at Black & Decker GmbH, DeWALT are shown.