Interval Dynamic Response Analysis of Trolley-Boom System with Uncertainties of Structure and Load

In order to predict the variability of modal parameters and dynamic responses of container cranes' trolley-boom system with both structural and load interval uncertainties. This paper solved the motion equation of the trolley-boom system using mode superposition method and Duhamel's integral, and the closed-form solution of the bounds on modal frequency, mode shape and modal coordinate, is derived according to interval analysis and the mechanical characteristics of container cranes. The method utilizes an interval formulation to quantify uncertainty presented in structural and load parameters, including span length, area moment of inertial, load amplitude and load moving speed. This new method was then utilized to analysis the interval dynamic response of two numerical examples. The results confirm that the relevant functions are taken as functions of time and/or spatial position, and therefore can reveal the variation of the bounds on dynamic properties with time and/or spatial position. Efforts are also made to evaluate how the uncertainty of load and structural parameters attribute to bounds on modal parameters and to dynamic responses.