As a part of the certification according to IMO* Life-saving Appliance Code, specific analysis was required on the bearing load in a telescopic Man Over Board crane.
Since the stresses resulting from the pressure between the mating surfaces of the two telescoping sections can not be analyzed by hand calculation, IGB was approached to perform a finite element analysis on this situation.
The use of Gap elements was necessary to retrieve the occurring stresses. Based on this, design recommendations could be given for the construction of this crane in order to acquire approval of the authorities.
Courtesy of 2ME Engineering, NL
* IMO: International Maritime Organization.