Structural optimization research on superstructure of jib crane

Abstract

Because of its characteristics of high operating efficiency and low operating cost, jib crane, mainly used to complete the loading and unloading of cargo and stacking operations, has become indispensable transport equipment on ports and terminals. As the core structural component of jib crane, design of superstructure will affect the stability of machine directly. Based on the unified objective function method, the mathematical model about multi-objective optimal design of superstructure was established which superstructure was served as a whole. Reduction of the maximum of the luffing resistance moment and unbalanced torque, as well as decrease of the fluctuations of hanging point vertical displacement were taken as the objective functions, and the coordinate of the hinge point position, structure length and counterweight were regarded as the design variables. The mixed penalty function of MATLAB was used for the optimization calculation. At the same time, interface for optimization design of jib crane’s superstructure was developed with C # and MATLAB hybrid programming language at the platform of VS. This interface can achieve the visualization of optimal design process. The result after optimization indicates that fluctuations of hanging point vertical displacement, maximum of the luffing resistance moment, as well as unbalanced torque decreased. This means drive power was saved, which has important theoretical significance.