Multibody dynamic simulation and transient analysis of quay crane spreader and lifting mechanism

Abstract

Nowadays, container shipment in the intermodal terminals is overloaded. The quay crane and its control system have to be properly prepared for rapid cargo reloading. The advanced control system may increase container loading efficiency due to the reduced transportation time. However, faster transportation demands higher safety. In this article, the authors performed multibody dynamics simulation of the container spreader and lifting mechanism by analyzing more advanced mathematical model of the quay crane. Trolley motion and cargo swing angle transient responses of the dynamic system were acquired and analyzed during model simulation. The main target of this research is to determine the system behavior during transients. The simulation results showed that the transients induced by startup of the vertical spreader travel affect the whole crane system in all the investigated cases. In addition, the influence of flexible cable causes additional oscillations of cargo and reciprocating trolley displacement. The simulation of the container spreader and lifting mechanism will help detect motion deviations of the quay crane in real time.