Loader Crane Modal Analysis Using Simplified Hydraulic Actuator Model

Abstract

Paper presents results of numerical and experimental analyses on dynamic properties of hydraulic loader crane. Both analyses were carried out in two loader cranes configurations first with telescopic boom sections partially extended and second fully retracted. Numerical analysis based on finite element method was conducted. There were used simplifications on hydraulic actuator models, that resulted in reduction of model order. Hydraulic actuators were modeled by rod elements with equivalent stiffness based on full hydraulic system built in Matlab. Developed model included parameters of valves, hydraulic pump and actuators itself. The main goal of the research was to develop a simplified model of hydraulic loader crane for dynamic analyses. The use of simplified models, the results of which are in line with the results obtained in experimental studies, allows to shorten the computational time. The findings of the presented studies show that, in spite of used simplifications, the results of numerical analyses and experimental studies are consistent.