Finite Element Analysis of Final Design

Shown below are images of the studies carried out on the final design CAD model. The following plots were created, so that we as a group could get an idea of how the crane would behave, when the load is applied. Each component of the crane was tested seperately. The axle, boom, legs, tower bottom block and the tower top block were tested. The plots created from left to right were displacement, factor of safety, strain and stress.

Axle
Material - Alloy Steel


Boom
Material - Alloy Steel


Leg
Material - Aluminium 6061 Alloy


Tower Bottom Block
Material - Aluminium 6061 Alloy


Tower Top Block
Material - Aluminium 6061 Alloy



The displacement plot shows us where the component would dimensionally change the most. All five of these displacement plots show that the dimensional change is within a tolerable region.

The Factor Of Saftey plot shows us whether the component is capable of carrying more load. All five of these plots show that the level of safety is within acceptable regions.

The strain plot shows us how the component would physically change under load. All five of these strain plots show that the physical change is within a tolerable region.

The stress plot shows us where on the componet the most stresses occur. All five of these stress plots show that the stress is within a tolerable region. This is because the stress does not go beyond the yield strength of the material.