Feasibility study of a jib crane made of composite materials considering deterministic and probabilistic approach

This numerical research reports results related to the implementation of innovative materials such as composite materials to a lifting apparatus and in particular a classic jib crane with a capacity of 500 kg. The work involves an initial analytical dimensioning followed by verifications conducted by finite element analysis. The parameters adopted are maximum displacement, safety coefficient with respect to maximum stress and with respect to buckling phenomena for both the boom and column. The materials assumed are classical steel, aluminum and composite materials with carbon and glass fibers. The performance in terms of stiffness and safety of the crane designed with the new materials should be very similar to that of the crane designed in steel. The last part of the research concerns the design of the crane by adopting probabilistic methods. It is clear from the results that the crane made of composite material and especially with carbon fibers has the lowest weight i.e., about 20% of the weight of the corresponding steel crane. In terms of reliability, assuming defined values in the dispersions, the different solutions are comparable.