On the numerical treatment of contact problems at crane mechanisms

Modem engineering design leads to the realization of the importance of contact problems in many technological fields. Contact problems are complex and inherently non-linear due to their moving boundaries and the existence of Friction along contact surfaces. In several construction components of crane mechanisms, rolling contact is also very important, particularly in system hook/nut and at wheel/rail system. In this article. we will restrict ourselves mainly to finite element technique for the treatment of complex contact problems, which is involved in those components, Furthermore, we will introduce boundary element model for elastic-plastic simulation of rolling contact. Comparisons between BEM and FEM approaches, as well as the results from literature, show good agreement.