Materials Research

Materials Research

Crane

The type of materials used in a crane generally tends to be Steel. Steel is an alloy of iron and a varying amount of carbon depending on the quality and strength required from the steel. For structures that do not need high strength properties a common form of steel known as carbon steel is used. Carbon steel contains less than 2% of elements other than iron and carbon. The factor that determines the properties of carbon steel is the amount of carbon present, this can range from less than 0.015% to more than 0.5%.

If a structure requires high strength properties, a variety of substances known as high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steels are used. HSLA steels contain low levels of carbon, generally around 0.05%. They also contain a small amount of one of more other elements for the purpose of adding strength. The elements included can be chromium, nickel, molybdenum, vanadium, titanium, and niobium. Aside from being strong, HSLA steels are more resistant to atmospheric corrosion and are better suited to welding.

Crane Cables

Different cranes require different properties from the cables being used. Width, material, constructions are all varying factors with the cables. The width of the cable must be thin enough to maintain flexibility, but thick enough to be cope with the loads it carries. The material also must be flexible and strong for the same reasons. The construction of the cable will vary with different cables. There are also cables available with reinforced structures for high load operation. Cables will also feature properties such as spin and stress resistance closing, high breaking loads, knock and vibration resistance, and self lubricating properties.

For our structure, a simple carbon-steel alloy would suffice, it would be strong enough to withstand the load that crane would be dealing with. A thin cable would also be strong enough and flexible enough to deal with the specific application. Thin flexible cables and carbon steel will keep costs to a minimum, maintenance will also be less of an issue in regards to cost as they would both be easily replaceable and maintainable.

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