About the Project
Vicoma received an intriguing assignment from one of its regular clients in the heavy industry sector.
A crane at the production site was experiencing troublesome vibrations along the travel direction, which caused discomfort for the crane operator. Although the vibrations were within occupational safety limits, the client sought a practical solution.
The crane has a span of 24 metres, with the cabin suspended 8 metres below the crane girders. Investigations showed that the crane beam girders and the rails were responsible for the vibrations. However, modifying these components was not an option. To analyse the problem, a plate-and-bar model was created of the cabin carriage and part of the crane girder.
Vicoma’s Role
Using measurement data, a finite element method (FEM) model provided Vicoma’s engineers with detailed insight into possible modifications to the crane structure and their effect on the vibrations. Ultimately, two solutions were identified to reduce the vibrations. Adding mass or installing a tuned mass damper; a mass-spring system tuned to a specific frequency to dampen vibrations.
Adding mass increases the inertia of the moving parts, which can reduce vibrations. However, due to the large amount of additional mass required, this option was deemed unfeasible. Therefore, the choice was made to apply a tuned mass damper.
Result
The tuned mass damper, calibrated to the critical frequency, effectively reduced the problematic vibrations. Verification calculations demonstrated a reduction in vibrations of up to 57%. The outcome: a crane operator with a smile!
Arjan and his team can tell you all about .
Arjan Exel
Commercial Manager, Velsen
Main question
A crane at the production site was experiencing troublesome vibrations along the travel direction, which caused discomfort for the crane operator.
Result
The tuned mass damper, calibrated to the critical frequency, effectively reduced the problematic vibrations.
Accompanied by
Vicoma Velsen
Location
