Jib Crane Analysis using FEM

This work deals with the analysis of Free Standing Jib Crane using Finite Element Method. Modeling of the parts is done using Finite Element based software ANSYS. Initially two-dimensional analysis of simple beam and simple column is done to check the suitability of type of element in three dimensional analysis. Besides, comparison of the results of these simple Finite Element models is done using the analytical solutions to ensure that mesh density used for the analysis gives correct results. Then analysis of complete jib crane is carried out using two-dimensional model. Further, the results obtained are used for the validation of the three-dimensional model. 8 Node Brick 45 (SOLID45) elements are used for meshing of three-dimensional model. For loading, various factors such as trolley weight and dynamic factor are taken into consideration. The trolley weight considered is 15% of the rated capacity of the crane. For impact loading, dynamic factor is taken into account. The value of dynamic factor is 25% of the rated capacity of crane. Thus crane is analyzed at a total factor of 1.4 of the capacity of the crane. During the post-processing maximum deformation & Von Mises Stresses are observed. Effect of various parameters like web thickness, web height and load is studied systematically.