FAILURE ANALYSIS OF A SPREADER IN A REACH STACKER USING FMEA METHODOLOGY AND METALLOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

This ongoing work aims to analyze the causes of structural failure in a box girder of the coupling tool (spreader), a critical component of port equipment for container handling, which is an essential machine in port logistics. The research integrates methodologies from Mechanical Engineering and Production Engineering, applying Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Fracture Mechanics (with a focus on fatigue), and Metallography. The study considers the worst-case operating scenario, involving 12-meter containers at maximum allowable weight, and seeks to identify critical failure modes, their causes and effects, proposing preventive and corrective actions. Preliminary results show clear evidence of fatigue failure, with beach marks and ratchet marks on the fracture surface, reinforcing the need for predictive inspections and improvements in the maintenance plan.