Structural Strength Analysis of Main Crane Pedestal of the Jack-Up Wind Turbine Installation Vessel

Abstract:

The jack-up wind turbine installation vessel is a special kind of vessel for building the offshore wind power farm. The main crane pedestal, which is the supporting structure of the crane on the main deck of the vessel, is always under high level loads when the ship is in operation condition. In this paper, the structural strength analysis of main crane pedestal of the jack-up wind turbine installation vessel was presented. The direct calculated method was used to evaluate the strength of the main crane pedestal. The FE model of main crane pedestal was established with refined mesh, and the adjoining hull structure was also modeled to provide accurate boundary condition. Considering the permanent loads, variable loads (crane loads) and wind loads on the pedestal, the load combinations were defined for the ultimate limit state for every 45 degree. The deformation and stress of the pedestal and the hull structures were calculated and checked. The results showed that all stress results were within the maximum allowable stresses. The critical areas are often located at the link region of hull and pedestal.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 351-352)
• Pages: 7-12
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.351-352.7
• Online since: August 2013
• Authors: Xiang Zhu, Yong Sheng Tang, Fei Xiang Li, Yao Zhao
• Keywords: Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Main Crane Pedestal, Structural Strength, Ultimate Limit State, Wind Turbine Installation Vessel

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