A CAD/CAE System for Structures of Dockside Container Cranes

Dockside container cranes have huge complex structures which have various kinds of types and lots of parameters for design. Moreover the finite element analysis must be carried out on the structures. An integrated CAD/CAM system for crane’s structures is introduced in this paper. A CAD platform of 3D parametric model family is built to allow generation of feasible configurations of crane products. Using Visual C++ and the second exploiting software kit, an integration method of CAD/CAE which includes regeneration of 3D parametric model, synchronous updating and analysis of FEA model is achieved.Copyright © 2006 by ASME