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Abstract
This paper outlines the general process of troubleshooting and rectifying unexpected structural mechanics problems in industrial plant and infrastructure. Typically the process includes the combination and correlation of site measurements (strain, vibration) and computational simulations (finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics) to identify root cause sources and guide redesign and rectification means. Details of typical site installations are outlined, including mining machinery, gas pipelines, railway lines, manufacturing plant and ships. Four case studies are included, ranging from resin manufacturing tubular agitators suffering vortex induced resonance, ore grinding mills needing better access manhole design, mine dump trucks, and ship shafting issues.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
R Widders
Rob Widders is Principal Consultant and Manager of the Sydney office of BMT WBM Consulting Engineers since 1996. Prior to this time he spent some 18 years after graduating (BE, MEngSc) in the power, marine and engineering services spheres. Rob’s field of competence includes mechanical, structural, fatigue design and analysis, design rectifications, design and detailing of mechanical steelwork, engineering critical assessments, machinery and equipment maintenance and condition audits, site trouble shooting, and marine technology. Rob has been providing these services in the broad areas of mechanical and structural engineering to the mining, manufacturing, power generation, process and transport industries, including specific extensive experience with ore grinding mills, centrifugal fans, vibrating screens, marine propulsion and ship structures.
B Morris
After completing an electrical trade apprenticeship, Barry Morris continued further studies in electrical drafting, electronics and communications. He initially worked in the private sector, then for the Department of Defence Navy, before taking a position with the Australian Shipbuilding Board.
While working at the Australian Shipbuilding Board, he became involved in the measurement of shaft horse power of ships during commissioning trials. This lead to designing equipment for shaft power, bollard pull measurements and other specialised measurement systems associated with the marine industry.
He then moved back to the private sector and has now been involved in engineering consulting, measuring strain, vibration and other parameters on an extensive range of machines and structures for over 30 years. During this period he has designed and built a number of specialised measurement systems, tailored to the field measurement side of the engineering consulting industry.
S Mason
Simon Mason graduated from the University of Adelaide with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Hons) and a Bachelor of Science (Physics) in 2005. Simon joined BMT WBM in 2006 and worked in a range of industries, including mining, transport and manufacturing. Simon was responsible for in-service stress and vibration troubleshooting of such plant as dump truck bodies, trains, ship shafts, conveyor hangers, railway lines and high pressure gas pipelines. Some of these projects were combined with Finite Element modelling to develop design rectifications. Others involved permanent monitoring systems designed to ensure long-term integrity of surface assets, such as railway lines and high pressure gas pipelines, during the subsidence effects of underground mining.
Since 2008 Simon has moved to the wind power industry with Garrad Hassan, a leading international consultancy in the field. He is part of the Independent Engineer Services group, and is involved in tender document preparation, construction monitoring, turbine inspections, performance reviews and technical investigations.