Mechanical Engineering Department Material Handling Equipment

Material Handling Equipment. Hoisting Equipments.

04 – Load handling attachment.

On general purpose cranes which carry loads of various shapes the load is handled by means of chain or
rope slings attached to hooks [Standard (single), ramshorn, solid triangular eye and hinged triangular
hooks].
Standard and ramshorn kooks may be flat die or closed die forged or made of a series of shaped plates. All
types of hooks are made of structural steel. As a rule the load is suspended on a four sling with two loops
over the saddle of the hook. P = (Q/4)/cos  = Q/4cos 450  0,35 Q

Fig. No 27 Suspension of a load. Fig.No 28 Forged standard hook.

Calculating the dimensions of Standard forged hook.

Diameter a and the overall proportions of hooks can be found in appropriate standards. Proportions are
assumed tentatively on the basis of these standards, after that the hook is checked for strength.

Hook shank is checked for tensile stress in the threaded portion (minor diameter d1). Tensile stress is
calculated by: t =Q/ (d1 /4); this stress should not exceed 500 kg/cm2. The minimum height of hook
2

nut is determined from permissible compressive stress: H = (4Qt)/[ ( d0 – d1 ) p] where: t thread

2 2

pitch; d0 major diameter and d1 minor diameter of the thread. p = (300 to 350) kg/cm2 safe compressive
stress (steel on steel).
Normal metric thread for small lifting capacity and for 5 or more tons trapezoidal or buttress thread are
used.
Stress in the saddle of the hook can be found by:  = Q/F +(M/Fr)*(1/)*[y/(y + r)]
 unit stress for the fiber at a distance y from the neutral axis; Q load on the hook; F area of the critical
section of the hook; M bending moment; r radius of curvature of the neutral axis at the critical cross
section;  factor depending on the shape of the cross section and the curvature of the beam; y distance
from the fiber to the neutral axis (negative value if the fiber is between the center of a curvature and the
neutral axis and positive for all the fibers on the other side of the neutral axis).
Bending moment is positive if it causes the hook curvature to increase (radius decreases) or negative if the
curvature decreases. (Fig. No. 28 a) M = - Qr = - Q(0,5 a + e1).
e2
1 y
Value of  is found from:   
F  y  1 dF ; for a trapezoid with sides b1 and b2 and height h will
e1

 b1  b2 
  1 
2r
{b2  e2  r } ln r  e2  b1  b2 
b1  b2 h 
be:
h r  e1 

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It can be assumed that r = 0,5 a + e1. If we take (h/a) = 1 and (b1/b2) = n

After transformations will have:  =(5n +7)/[3(n+1) ]*[(1,5n – n)*1,09861 –(n
2
– 1)] – 1
Neglecting the displacement of the neutral axis relative to the centroid of the section:
e1  [(n + 2)/(n +1)] * (h/3)
With previous formula we can find the value of  for any value of b1/b2
Substituting in the formula of the stress in the saddle of the hook the values of M; r and y = -e1 (for
stretched extreme fiber) and y = e2 (for compressed extreme fiber) we shall obtained the unit stress in the
cross section between points I and II:  = (Q/F)*(1/)*(2e1/a)
Maximum unit tensile stress of the inner fibers of the section: I = (Q/F)*(1/)*(2e1/a) < safe
Maximum unit compressive stress of the outer fibers: II = -(Q/F)*(1/)*[e2/({(a/2) +h}]<safe

Table No. 21 Principal design values for single hooks

Safe stress.
Unit stresses I and II do not exceed 1500 kg/cm2 for structural steel. Section III and IV of Fig. No. 28,
is checked at the maximum angle 2  = 120 in the same way as sections I and II.
0

Neglecting the shearing force Q/2, calculation are made for the force [(Q/2) tang ] using the same
method, taking instead of a/2 the value of r’ and the corresponding dimensions of the section.
The cylindrical portion of the hook shank entering in the hole in the crosspiece is subjected to tension.
Misalignment may cause bending, for this permissible stress is reduced to 500 kg/cm 2 (Fig. No. 28 a).

Forged ramshorn hooks.

In principle, the curved portion of this hook is checked in the same way as for single hook. However
because of asymmetric suspension, the specific tension of the sling should be increased by 1/3. Then the
1 2
force for calculation is 1 /3 (Q/2) = /3 Q acting in one horn.
Tension in the sling acting at an angle  to the vertical (usually 450) will be P = 2Q/3 cos  . Force
normal to section I – II. P1 = [2Q sin ( + )/3 cos ];  angle of inclination of the section to the
vertical. Section of the hook is a rounded off trapezoid with height h and bases b1 and b2. Disregarding
shearing forces, unit stresses in extreme fibers are:
I = (P1/F)*(1/)*(2e1/a) and II = -(P1/F)*(1/)*[e2/{(a/2) + e1 + e2}]
a hook diameter; e1 and e2 distance between the neutral line and the extreme fibers; F area of the
critical cross section.
Since the forces in the slings acts at an angel is necessary to check section III – IV assuming the largest
angle 2  = 120 .
0

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Mechanical Engineering Department Material Handling Equipment

Fig. No. 29 Ramshorn hook. Fig. No. 30 Ramshorn hook with load suspended one horn.

Operating rules for crnes with this types of hook, prohibit suspension of the load on one horn only.
Calculation is done for the normal force 2Q/3 tan  in this case is neglecting the shearing force /3 Q .
2

Stresses are assumed to be the same as in single hooks. Maximum unit stress in critical sections V - VI
Pt = (Q/2)cos; Psh = (Q/2)sin; t = Pt /F and sh = Psh/F
The bending stress bend arise from the moment Mbend = - Pt [(a + d)/2]

Hence    t   bend 2  3 2
Solid triangular eye hook.
Are usually employed in cranes with a high lifting capacity (over 100 tons). According with the external
forces a solid hook is statically determinate and with respect to internal stresses is statically indeterminate.
The sling carrying the load must pass through the eye. The bow is made integral with the sides and is
subject to bending forces that cause also bending in the sides.

Fig. No. 31 Solid triangular eye hook.

Bending moment in the bow M1  Ql/6; bending moment where the sides adjoin the bow M2 = Ql/13;
the tensile force acting on the side P = Q/ 2 cos (/2)
 angle between the inclined sides; Q load; l bow span measured along the neutral line of the sections.
Maximum unit stress in the bow  = (Mbend/W) + (P1/F); where Mbend  (Ql/6) + (P1 x)
P1 = Q/2 tan ((/2) compressive force acting on the bow in kg; W moment of resistance; F area of bow
cross section.
Safe unit stress for structural steel is safe = 800 kg/cm
2

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Mechanical Engineering Department Material Handling Equipment

Hinged triangular hooks.

The manufacture of this type of hook has a lot of difficulties. In Fig. No. 32 (a) shows a built up hinged hook with one
joint and (b) a built up hook with three joints respectively.

Fig. No 32 Built up hinged triangular hook.


Unit stress in the links of three joint built up hook is t = Q/ 4F cos /2 < 1200 kg/cm2
Unit stress in the bow is like a stress in curved beam  = P1/F + M/ FR + [ (M/FR)(e1/(R – e1)]

Where M = Ql/4 +P1  ; P1 = (Q/2)tan /2; F cross sectional area; e1 distance between the
neutral axis and the fibers carrying the greatest load. Factor  = ¼ (a/R) +1/8(a/R) + 5/64(a/R)
2 4 6

for an ellipse. a major axis of the ellipse or the diameter of a circle. Shank eye stress is checked by Lame’s

formula (Fig. No. 32 a and b) t =p(D +d )/(D –d ) where p = Q/ 4 b d cos /2; b width of the
2 2 2 2

eye.

Appliances for suspending hooks.

Hook weight. For raising light loads hooks are attached directly to a flexible lifting tackle. In this case the
hook is too light to overcome friction in lifting mechanisms during lowering. In this case additional weight
is added.

Fig. No. 33 Hook with additional weight.

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Mechanical Engineering Department Material Handling Equipment

Hook bearings.
Ball thrust bearing allow a loaded hook to turn easily in handling loads over 3 tons. Mounted on
crosspieces they support the hook nuts. In the table are given sizes and loads for self-aligning thrust
bearings for hooks carrying from 5 to 75 tons.

Table No. 22 Sizes of ball thrust bearings for hooks, mm

Crosspieces for hooks.

A hook crosspiece is pivoted in the side plates of casing usually reinforced with straps or shackels made of
steel plate. This enables the hook to be turned in two mutually perpendicular directions.

Fig. No. 34 Crosspieces for hooks.

max
Maximum bending moment M1 = (Q/2)*(l/2) –(Q/2)*(d1/4) = Q/4 (l – 0,5 d1)
d1 outside diameter of the bearing-seating ring.
The moment of resistance W  l/6 (b – d1) h Safe bending stress bend = 600 to 1000 kg/cm2
2

The bending moment for the crosspiece trunnion is M2 = (Q/2)*[(s + s1)/2].

The unit pressure between the trunnion and the casing is: p = Q/2d(s + s1).

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Mechanical Engineering Department Material Handling Equipment

Where s, s1 shackle and side plate thickness; and: l = (s + s1)/2

Trunnions of the crosspiece should have no axial shift but they should be able to turn. Fastening can be
done by adjusting rings secured by taper pins or by a split ring inserted into a slot of the trunnion and
attached with screws to the straps or shackles.
Crosspieces with trunnion for mounting two rope sheaves.

Fig. No.35 Crosspiece for two rope sheave

Bending moment in the middle of the crosspiece is M1
max
= (Q/2)*[(/2) + S0 + S – l0/2 +D/2]
Bending moment in the trunnions M1
max
= (Q/2)*[(/2) + S0 +S]; Moment of resistance is the same
as the previous case.
If the crosspiece is secure in the side plates which are strengthened with shackles or straps as shown in
figure.

Fig. No. 36 Crosspiece with shackles for a four-sheave casing

Shackles are checked as follows:

Section A1B1: t = Q/2bs ; Section A2B2: t = Q/2(b – d) s; Section A3B3 by Lame’s formula
Unit pressure p = Q/2ds;
Unit stress at the inner and outer surface:A3 = p[(2R) +d ]/(2R) – d ; B3 = p2d /(2R) – d
2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Maximum stress at the inner surface: A3 = Q(4R + d )/2ds(4R – d )

2 2 2 2

Whence: s = (Q/2dt)*[(4R + d )/(4R – d )]

2 2 2 2

Casing for hooks.

A casing is the entire suspension tackle, which includes: carrying devices (hooks), crosspiece, lower
sheaves and casing plates with shackles in which the axles of the sheaves and the trunnions of the
crosspiece are secured

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Mechanical Engineering Department Material Handling Equipment

Fig. No. 37 Ordinary single sheave hook casing.

Solved problems.
Problem No.1 The useful load lifting capacity of the crane G = 5000 kg; the weight of the hook including
G
the grabbing tons 0 = 1000 kg.
Full load on the hook Q = G + G0 = 5000 + 1000 kg.
Stress in the thread. Standard hook is taken, with a lifting capacity of 5 tons for a power drive. Checking its
dimensions for strength. Hook shank has a metric v thread, major diameter 48 mm (M 48). The stress is
calculated by: t =Q/(d1 /4) = 6000/13,23 455 kg which is permissible.
2

Minimum height of the nut:

H = (4Qt)/[ ( d02 – d12) p]= 4*6000*0,5/3,14*(4,82 – 4,12)*150 = 4 cm
Checking stresses in the hook saddle (Table No. 21) Knowing that the area of the critical section of the
hook found by a plannimeter is F = 58 cm2
The area formed by the curve in coordinates LGK is f = 266,5 cm2.
The abscissa of the centroid is determined by: xc = f/F = 266,5/58 = 4,61 cm.
Where f the area bounded by the curve and F the area of the hook cross-section. Booth areas must be
determined with a planimeter.
The auxiliary areas obtained also with a planimeter are: f1 = 2,93 cm2 and f2 = 5,72 cm2
Factor  = - 2(f1 – f2)/F = - 2 (2,93 – 5,72)/58 = 0,0961 (Table No. 21)
Distance between the zero line (neutral fiber) and the centroid line:
 =  /(1 + ) = 90,36*0,0961/(1 + 0,961) = 0,82 cm
Distance between the extreme inner fiber and zero line e1 = h2 = xc -  = 4,61 – 0,82 = 3,79 cm
Maximum unit tensile stress in the inner fibers:
I = (Q/F)*(1/)*(2e1/a) = (6000/58)*(1/0,0961)*(2*3,79/9,5) = 860 kg/cm2
where a = 95 cm

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Mechanical Engineering Department Material Handling Equipment

Fig. No 38 Diagram for the determination of factor 

The maximum unit compression stress in the outer fibers: II = -(Q/F)*(1/)*[e2/({(a/2) +h}]
II =(6000/58)*(1/0,0961)*[6,71/(4,75 + 10,5)] = - 475 kg/cm2, where h = 105 mm
Booth stresses are below the safe value. Unit stresses in section III – IV are determined in the same way.

Problem No. 2 Check the stress in the curved portion of a forged ramshorn hook shown, knowing that its
lifting capacity is of 15 tons.

Fig. No. 39 Ramshorn hook strength calculation.

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Mechanical Engineering Department Material Handling Equipment

The force normal to the section is calculated by: P1= [2Q sin ( + )/3 cos ]
P1 = 2*15000*sin 77 /3 cos 450 =13750 kg
0

Factor : Cross-sectional area F = 115,8 cm2. Auxiliary area f = 789 cm2.

The centroid abscissa is: xc = f/F = 789/115,8 = 6,8 cm
The auxiliary areas are f1 = 5,71 cm2 and f2 = 11,7 cm2
Factor  = - 2(f1 – f2)/F = - [2*(5,71 – 11,7)/115,8] = 0,104
Distance between the zero line and centroid:  =  /(1 + ) = 13,8*0,104/(1 + 0,104) = 1,29 cm
Distance between the extreme inner fiber and zero line is: e1 = h2 = xc -  = 6,8 –1,29 = 5,51 cm
Unit stresses are:
I = (Q/F)*(1/)*(2e1/a) = (13750/115,8)*(1/0,104)*[(2*5,51)/14]= 900 kg/cm2
II = -(Q/F)*(1/)*[e2/({(a/2) +h}]
II = -(13750/115,8)*(1/0,104)*[10,45/(14/2 –16)] = - 520 kg/cm2
Both values are permissible.

Problem No. 3 Using the data of Problem No. 1 calculate the strength of the hook crosspiece shown.

Fig. No 40 Crosspiece of a hook.

Strength calculation.
max
The maximum bending moment is: M1 = (Q/2)*(l/2) –(Q/2)*(d1/4) = Q/4 (l – 0,5 d1)
M1 = Q/4 (l – 0,5 d1) =( 6000/4)*(22 –0,5*11)  24750 kg-cm
max

The moment of resistance is: W  l/6 (b – d1) h = 1/6(14 – 5)* 6  54 cm3

2 2

The unit stress in the crosspiece is: bend = 24750/54  460 kg/cm2 (permissible value of stress)

Checking crosspieces trunnions.

The bending moment is: M2 = (Q/2)*[(s + s1)/2] = (1/2)*6000*(4,8/2)  7200 kg-cm

The unit stress in the trunnions is: bend = M2/Wtr = 7200/(0,1*5 )  576 kg/cm2 (permissible)
3

The unit pressure on the trunnions is: p = Q/2d(s + s1)  125 kg/cm2

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Mechanical Engineering Department Material Handling Equipment

Problem No. 4 Determine the stresses in section I – I of the crosspiece shown.

Data given (l = 800 mm and P = 2200 kg).

Fig. No. 41 Crosspiece Fig. No. 42 Critical section of the crosspiece.

Section represented shows that b = 6 cm: h = (25 – 15)/2 = 5 cm; R = (25 + 15)/4 = 10 cm

Cross sectional area of the ring is: F = bh = 6*5 = 30 cm2

2 2
The moment of inertia is: W = bh /6 = 6*5 /6 = 25 cm3
The normal force acting on the lower section is:
N1 = (1/4)*(1 +2l/R)*P = (1/4)*(1 + 2*80/10)*2200 = 3000 kg
The normal force acting on the upper section is: N2 = N1 –(P/) = 3000 – (2200/) = 2300 kg
The bending moment in the section of the lower half rings:
M1 = (-0,12 + 0,034l?R)PR = (-0,12 +0,034*80/10)*2200*10 = 3340 kg-cm
The bending moment in the section of he upper half ring is:
M2 = M1 – 2N1R + [(1/4)*(l/R) + (1/)]*PR
M2 = 3340 – 2*3000*10 + [{(1/4)*(80*10)} +1/]*2200*10 =5700 kg-cm
The maximum absolute value of the normal unit stress is:
max = M2/W – N2/F = 5700/25 +2300/30 = 304 kg/cm2
The approximate bending moment in the middle of the crosspiece:
M = Pl/4 = 2200*80/4 = 44000 kg-cm
The equatorial moment of resistance in the critical cross-section is:
W0 =6(253 – 153)/6*25 = 490 cm3
Then is obtained, maximum and minimum stress in the crosspiece:
max,min = M/W0 =44000/490 =  90 kg/cm2

Teaching Material 50 Jose M. Dominguez E.