Strength Analysis and Optimal Design for Main Girder of Double-Trolley Overhead Traveling Crane Using Finite Element Method

As special equipment for material hoisting and carrying, the double-trolley overhead traveling crane develops rapidly in the field of mechanical engineering. In order to improve the safety, reliability, and economy, the lightweight design for the crane is crucial, which mainly contains two important fundamental works: one is the prediction of the limit load-bearing ability and the other one is the optimization. In this paper, a three-dimensional parametric finite element model is established and the limit load-bearing ability of the main girder of a true crane is predicted using the arc-length algorithm and nonlinear stabilization algorithm, respectively. Finite element analysis indicates the existing double-trolley overhead traveling crane shows a large strength allowance. The subsequent optimal design which aims to achieve a perfect match between the mechanical performance and weight is conducted based on the strength analysis. Specially, the software platform of optimal design for double-trolley overhead traveling crane is developed to reach the integrated parametric design interactively. The proposed numerical methods which are highlighted by an optimal design platform implement the lightweight design conception efficiently. By numerical analysis, this research is demonstrated to provide theoretical and technical support for promoting the lightweight design and safety evaluation of cranes.