Overhead crane bridge image illustrating all components
Original 3D Model of a double box girder crane with longitudinal stiffeners
Transparency view of the longitudinal stiffeners welded to the webs and inner plates
Exploded view of all the components used for the existing crane model and bill of materials
Optimised 3D model of a double box girder crane with out longitudinal stiffeners
Transparency view of the optimised model with no stiffeners
Exploded view of all the components used for the optimized crane model and bill of materials
FEA simulation - Applying fixtures of two trolley wheel loads on top of the rail and self weight of the crane defined by gravity in the middle.
FEA simulation - Applying a standard mesh prior to running the case study
FEA simulation - FEA results shows the Von mises stress plot after the load being applied, the stress plot indicates that the Von mises stress is less than the total yeild strength of the material therefore it is safe.
FEA simulation - Displacement plot shows the deformation shape of the crane after the load being applied.
FEA simulation - The Von mises stress plot for the optimized model is less than the initial model therefore the results have improved.
Results of the initial model of the crane after running the SolidWorks design study
Results of the Optimized model of the crane after running the design study
Comparison of the initial and optimized models results shows that the total mass of the optimized model has decreased by some margin
Presentation poster for the assessment towards the end of project
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Design and Optimization of Overhead Crane Bridge

The aim of my final year project was to examine how the design, thus the total cost, of a double box girder overhead travelling crane bridge changes if longitudinal stiffeners, which significantly increase the cost due to the necessary welding, are removed.

Therefore full 3D models of an existing crane bridge implementing longitudinal stiffeners as well as optimized crane bridge with out stiffeners are compared using SolidWorks software and FEA analysis method.

Sohail T
Mechanical Design Engineer London, United Kingdom