Engineering Blog

The study of crack propagation is called “fracture mechanics”. Fracture mechanics combines analytical methods with experimental research to quantify a crack’s grow potential. Unlike fatigue, fracture mechanics performs a more sophisticated assessment of the existing conditions allowing for a more precise analysis of stress and strain to determine whether operating equipment is fit for its intended service.

The crane industry should not overlook heat (flame) straightening as an efficient method of repair when structural beams or columns are damaged.

Connection detailing is an underrated art form, especially on cranes, writes Richard Phillips, mechanical engineer at Casper, Phillips & Associates.

Generally, the faster a crane component operates, the more important alignment is, but there’s more to understand about this important subject than that, writes Richard Phillips, mechanical engineer at Casper, Phillips & Associates Inc.

There is a trend for ports to push their container cranes harder for longer, which can lead to cracks and other fatigue-related issues, says Richard Phillips, mechanical engineer, Casper, Phillips & Associates Inc. (CP&A).