Finite Element Parametric Design And Optimization Of Deck Crane Boom

Deck cranes are lifting appliances which set up on the deck of the ship, with a compact structure, easy operation, loading and unloading efficiency and flexibility, etc., so they are widely used. The specifications of deck cranes are numerous, and structures are complex, so the design process is complicated. And in the design process we need to repeatedly modify, designers must re-analyze and calculate to ensure security after each change, so there are a lot of repetitive works. In order to shorten design cycles, improve efficiency, it is necessary to establish a parametric design and analysis system to make the designers free from heavy repetitive works.In this paper, the deck crane boom is the research object and ANSYS is the tool, by using its parametric design language (APDL) for secondary development, a dedicated development system is established for deck crane boom. The system sets the parametric design, analysis, optimization functions into one, and all of these functions are packaged as macro. Using this system, users only need to click the corresponding button and enter the required parameters, the program automatically complete the parametric modeling, analysis, results viewing and optimal design, it's accurate and efficient.The main research contents include:(1) Macros are declared in ANSYS, a one to one relationship between the macros and tool bar buttons is established, then the toolbar is customized and the interface is improved.(2) A finite element model of typical deck crane boom is established by APDL, it's the basis for follow-up analysis and optimization. There are input dialog for all parameters of the boom, the design can be changed easily.(3) Structural static analysis, modal analysis and buckling analysis are integrated, so it can do a comprehensive analysis of strength, stiffness, stability for the boom.(4) Complex process of optimization is packaged to achieve the optimal design of the boom, it's simple and efficient.(5) Take a deck crane (10t×10m) as an example, the practicality and reliability of the system is verified.