Influence of removable load-handling attachment model detailing on overhead crane static calculation results

Introduction. Ensuring the operational safety of cargo lifting cranes, especially at nuclear power facilities when transporting hazardous loads such as spent fuel assemblies, requires high precision in the calculation of loadbearing structures. Existing modeling approaches do not always consider the influence of the detailing of removable load-handling attachments (RLHAs) on the overall stress-strain state of the crane. The objective of this study is to assess the influence of the finite element model’s level of detail for a traverse type RLHA on a flexible suspension on the convergence and accuracy of the static calculation results for an overhead crane.
Materials and Methods. The study was conducted using the case of transporting TUK-13 containers with an overhead crane equipped with a traverse on a flexible suspension. Three variants of the crane’s computational static model (CSM) were developed and analyzed, varying in the way the RLHA was modeled: 1) representation of the load from the RLHA and cargo as lumped masses (weight); 2) use of a detailed model of the RLHA with cargo, featuring rigid element joints; 3) application of a detailed model of the RLHA with cargo, taking into account hinged joints. For each of the three models, a static analysis was performed using three different methods: linear static analysis, static analysis considering the P-Δ effect, and static analysis paying attention to both the P-Δ effect and large displacements.
Conclusions. The comparative analysis showed that accounting for flexible suspension elements and hinged joints in the RLHA design requires consideration of the P-Δ effect and large displacements to adequately describe the deformed state of the “crane-RLHA-cargo” system. Linear methods and simplified RLHA models can lead to significant inaccuracies. The choice of the detailing level of RLHA and the calculation method significantly affects the reliability of the obtained results.
Research Scope and Future Use. The results are applicable to the static analysis of overhead cranes with flexible suspensions and complex RLHAs. Further research could be extended to dynamic operating modes and other types of RLHAs.
Practical Significance. The obtained information is important for engineering practice in the design and verification of overhead cranes’ calculation, enabling the selection of a rational balance between the model’s level of detail and the computing method to ensure the required accuracy and safety.
Originality and Value. The novelty of this work lies in the systematic comparison of the influence of both the RLHA model’s level of detail (from umped masses to a detailed model with hinged joints) and various static analysis methods on the results for a crane with a flexible suspension. The results will be useful for design engineers, stressstrain analysts, and safety specialists working with lifting equipment in critical industries.

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