Finite Element Fatigue Analysis of Unsupported Crane

The presented strength and fatigue calculations refer to an unsupported deck crane and its three distinct parts: housing, jib and column. Static loads applied to the structure were due to the crane’s own weight and a maximum working load, corresponding to a maximum lifting capacity at a maximum outreach of the crane. The numerical analysis was aimed at determining the thickness of the skin plating of the column and the number, shape and distribution of stiffeners in the column, housing and jib, ensuring that the crane yields correct strength and fatigue parameters. During the process of designing marine structures, the standard numerical analysis is, in many cases, limited to calculations in the basic strength range. Even when using numerical methods of analysis, complex strength and fatigue calculations are often not performed. The modern numerical analysis chain for marine structures should concentrate not only on strength analysis, but should take a further step, which encompasses fatigue analysis. The article presents a new outlook on design methods, which should be the entry point to the design of marine structures. Based on the acquired number of cycles of fatigue life, it is possible to estimate, with a sufficient degree of accuracy, the practical service life of a structure. To solve the problem, the authors used the finite element analysis software ABAQUS supported by the fe-safe system.