Hydraulic Winch Pedestal

Project Summary

This project involved the design, analysis, testing, and production of three 800lb pedestals, used to secure and elevate hydraulic winches used offshore. I designed the pedestal using steel for strength, and galvanized the steel for corrosion resistance. The design included cutouts where applicable to reduce the handling weight, and also added slots for forklift and pallet jack maneuverability while offshore. I calculated the maximum stress on the structure using hand calculations and then verified using FEA. This was used iteratively to determine the appropriate weld sizes as well as material thicknesses to ensure an adequate factor of safety. After fabrication, load and proof testing was conducted to validate the structural integrity of the pedestal. I also managed all material procurement and part fabrication.

Implemented Skills

• CAD (PTC Creo)

• structural analysis using first principles hand calculations

• weldment design and analysis

• finite element analysis using ANSYS

• drawing generation following GD&T standards

• material selection for rugged environments

• structural testing

• design for manufacturing and assembly

• design for galvanizing