Dynamic analysis of Crawler Crane for Stability, Strength and Durability

Abstract

Crawler cranes are used for slewing (rotation), lifting and lowering the payload. The basic function of a crawler crane is to move the heavy loads from one place to another. In this project, the kinematic and dynamic analysis of crawler crane in the rotation with payload lifted is carried out. An attempt is made to analyze the dynamic operating condition and to determine the important factors for crane stability. During the slewing motion and mainly on the jib part of the crane, side loads act due to the centrifugal force which affects the crane’s stability. Using the concepts of multibody dynamics, rigid body simulation is performed and graphs for displacement, angular velocity and angular acceleration of various bodies are presented. A case study on crawler crane with a lattice boom is performed and model is setup for kinematic and dynamic solvers. The model is solved using various analytical methods and a source code is developed from governing equation of motions.