Optimization of overhead crane main girder considering deflection constraint using differential evolution

Abstract

Overhead cranes are one of the commonly used lifting and transporting equipment for hoisting, lowering, and moving goods within factories and warehouses. The main girder plays the most important role, directly bearing the loads during lifting operations and resisting various forces during crane operation. In this paper, the authors present an optimal design method for the main girder using the Differential Evolution method, taking into account the deflection constraint of the girder in two cases: hollow rectangular box section and I-shaped section. The research results of this paper provide an important scientific and practical basis for selecting reasonable structural parameters of the crane main girder, while also contributing to improving the efficiency of design, fabrication, and operation of the equipment. In addition, the results of this paper serve as a reference for comparing and evaluating the optimization of the two types of cross-sections, providing a basis for selecting the girder’s cross-sectional shape according to bending strength and deflection criteria.