Evaluation of Design and Simulation of Creep Test Rig for Full‐Scale Crossarm Structure

Abstract

A simulated model was developed in order to design and simulate the mechanical properties of a cantilever beam creep testing rig for a full-scale size crossarm in transmission towers. Currently, the Malaysian power grid system is implementing several materials, such as Chengal wood, polymeric composite, and galvanised steel, as crossarm structures. However, there is a lack of study regarding the long-term mechanical behaviour of heavy structures in the literature. Hence, this article explains the design development of creep test rig for a full-scale crossarm structure using CATIA and mechanical simulation (deformation and safety factors) of the product via ANSYS. The test rig will be used to predict the creep life of the cantilever beam structure. In this study, a tall and large base area structure was designed and replicated from an actual tower to elevate the crossarm above the ground level. In order to select the best performance model, a baseline conceptual test rig was generated in CAD modelling, and the finite element analysis was carried out by using a static structural analysis in ANSYS. Four different bracing configurations were incorporated in the baseline model, and the modified structures were then analysed. The results show that the hybrid bracing configuration has enhanced the mechanical properties and safety factors in the baseline model.

Fabrication, Functionalization, and Application of Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Polymer Composite: An Overview

“…Due to high cost of carbon fibers, CNTs can be added in small quantities in polymeric composites but exhibit while exhibiting strong mechanical properties [ 249 ]. For instance, the application of CNTs as reinforcements in polymeric composites could establish significantly high mechanical strength and elastic modulus values in comparison other high performance fibers such as Kevlar and carbon [ 143 , 250 , 251 ]. To be specific, their tensile strength and elastic modulus have been recorded at 150 GPa and 1 TPa, respectively, which marks them as tremendously stronger and stiffer, as well as three-to-five times lighter, than steel.…”

Polylactic Acid (PLA) Biocomposite: Processing, Additive Manufacturing and Advanced Applications

“…Studies on the processing effects and natural fibres properties show an improvement in mechanical properties parallel to the National Policy on Industry 4.0 (Industry 4WRD). Natural fibres have sparked great interest among researchers and industry players for their applications in the military [22], automotive [23][24][25][26][27], industrial [28][29][30][31][32][33], furniture [34], civil [35,36], and biomedical fields [37]. It is reported that the natural fibres global production exceeded 105 million metric tons in 2018 [38].…”

Potential of Honeycomb-Filled Composite Structure in Composite Cross-Arm Component: A Review on Recent Progress and Its Mechanical Properties

“…Since 1929, the 132 kV cross-arm assembly has been commissioned in the Malaysian electrical grid, using Chengal wood as the structural material [103]. Since it has better mechanical efficiency and excellent quenching of the electric arc [104,105], the wooden cross-arm was selected to be mounted on transmission towers.…”