A shipyard client requested a detailed finite element analysis (FEA) for a crane foundation on a new crane barge. DMS provided detailed analysis, including support for regulatory compliance, vendor interface, and adjustments for production schedule.
This project required a detailed knowledge of design standards for offshore cranes, FEA modeling experience, and an understanding of the vessel mission. First DMS determined the forces from the crane, and then applied them to the vessel.
DMS worked with the Client to apply offshore standards and develop crane load cases for the inland barge. This required close cooperation with the Client to apply reasonable criteria.
DMS also analyzed the welds at critical joints in the crane foundation. We applied the stresses from the FEA to determine the weld size and guarantee that nothing was oversized.
DMS produced results showing several common FEA outputs:
DMS delivered reliable engineering support, which our Client saw in several areas.
One major issue for this analysis was the schedule. As a shipyard, our Client needed to work with fast schedules and keep production moving.
DMS supported this effort with weekly meetings. At one point, the preliminary analysis hinted that the structure may be undersized. DMS immediately notified the Client to prevent any rework in production. We worked with the Client to identify the regions at risk and ensure production could continue on the rest of the vessel. At all stages in the analysis, DMS was ready to ensure engineering supported production.
DMS offered this project under a fixed price contract, which removed all concerns for cost overrun. At several points, DMS needed to enhance the FEA model or provide additional calculations. Other engineering firms may charge for each of these changes, sparking dread of change orders. At DMS, all these changes were inclduded in the original price. The final invoice exactly matched the quoted cost.
We have the experience to anticipate challenges from FEA, and included that in our plans. Problems arose, and DMS adapted to fix them. No hassle, just solutions.
Others relyon claims of experience, but DMS proves our results. We routinely validate our models and performs mesh independence studies on every model. This is the science of engineering.
FEA allows us to analyze any array of complex structures. This yields new designs and reduced structure weight. DMS validates every FEA model for accuracy.
When you require maximum performance from your ship, DMS offers composite finite element analysis. The benefits of composites plus FEA.
Fatigue finite element analysis can extend your vessel life and create efficient plans for inspection and prevative maintenance.
