Abstract
This article analyzes the first self-propelled floating dredging machine designed and executed by Agustín de Betancourt in 1810 to dredge the port of Kronstadt (Russia). With this objective, a study of computer-aided engineering (CAE) has been carried out using the parametric software Autodesk Inventor Professional, consisting of a static analysis using the finite element method, of the 3D model which is reliable under operating conditions. The results have shown that the system of inertia drums proposed by Betancourt manages to dissipate the tensions between the different elements, locating the highest stresses in the links of the bucket rosary, specifically at the point of contact between links. Similarly, the maximum displacements and the greatest deformations (always associated with these points of greater stress), are far from reaching the limits of breakage of the material used in its construction, as well as the safety coefficient of the invention, confirming that the mechanism was oversized, as was generally the case at the time. This analysis highlights the talent of the Spanish engineer and his mastery of mechanics, in an invention, the first of its kind worldwide, which served the Russian Empire for many years.
Highlights
The mechanical dredger of the Kronstadt port (Russia) was the first self-propelled floating dredging machine in history [1]
The static analysis of the mechanical dredger of the Kronstadt port shows the distribution of von von Mises stresses, displacements, deformations and the safety coefficient throughout the assembly, Mises stresses, displacements, deformations and the safety coefficient throughout the assembly, but but before the static analysis a modal frequency analysis was internally performed in order to detect before the static analysis a modal frequency analysis was internally performed in order to detect rigid rigid body modes
If this modal frequency analysis would have obtained the first six frequencies body modes. If this modal frequency analysis would have obtained the first six frequencies equal or equal or close to 0 Hz, the model would be a mechanism with which it would not make sense to close to 0 Hz, the model would be a mechanism with which it would not make sense to have carried out a static analysis
Summary
The mechanical dredger of the Kronstadt port (Russia) was the first self-propelled floating dredging machine in history [1]. This statement is sufficient to understand the relevance of its inventor, the Spanish engineer Agustín de Betancourt, who was one of the greatest references in the engineering of the first industrial revolution. Betancourt, through his works and publications, provided a legacy to civil and industrial engineering that contributed to the industrial progress of the time. This article attempts to highlight the talent of the engineer from the point of view of engineering, focusing on the projected mechanical dredger which remained in service for close to 10 years
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