Numerical Simulation on the Statics Deformation Study of Composite Cross Arms of Different Materials and Configurations

Abstract

This study focuses on the deformation of cross arms made from composite material under static loading. Two materials properties of fiberglass with are assigned to the cross arms model and it is subjected to a load at the one end of the cross arms. A bracing support is then installed, and the deformation and stress experienced by the cross arms are observed and compared with the case where no bracing support is used. The results obtained show that material B has lower deformation value, but experienced greater stress compared to material A. The bracing managed to reduce the total deformation by about 12% and 20% for material A and B respectively. The reduction of stresses experienced by the cross arms ranges from 4% to 30%.

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

“…The pultrusion method for GFRP composites is being used increasingly as a replacement for conventional materials in various civil and mechanical engineering structures, such as framed building, beams, cross-arms, and bridges [97][98][99]. All in all, it is worth to note that the cross-arm beams are most suitable to be fabricated and manufactured using the pultrusion process since it has symmetrical square hollows and long shapes [15]. Moreover, the pultrusion process can produce a rapid rate of production with a good surface finish and efficient mechanical performance [98].…”

“…[126] Effect of static loading with various configurations on cross arm behaviors. Addition of bracing system would improve the overall static deformation and stress performance of cross arm [15] Influence of static loadings and sleeve installation on cross arm structure.…”

“…Many computer simulations have been carried out by several researchers to characterize the mechanical properties of PGFRP cross-arms. Those research works have been executed on composite cross-arms, which include determining the effects of laminate properties on cross-arm failures [125], the effects of laminate stacking sequence on crossarm performance [126], and the effects of static loading with various configurations on cross-arm behavior [15]. Figure 5 illustrates the examples of failure, such as the simulated deformation results of the 275 kV cross-arm on transmission towers in normal and broken wire conditions [127].…”

“…Another method of improvement done by previous researchers was by installing bracing on cross-arm members. From numerical simulations, some researchers have used bracing support on cross-arm members, and subjected one end of the cross-arm to a specific load [15]. Hussein et al introduced a different conceptual design for installing bracing, which is suitable for a 3-cross-arm member type [16].…”

Utilization of Bracing Arms as Additional Reinforcement in Pultruded Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composite Cross-Arms: Creep Experimental and Numerical Analyses

“…Several research works involving computational simulation to evaluate the mechanical performance of PGFRPC cross-arm assemblies have been performed to obtain technical data on the effect of material properties on structural integrity. The computational simulation analysis of PGFRPC cross-arms has been applied to investigate the influence of static load and sleeve installation [ 18 ]; the effect of the stacking sequence of a laminate [ 19 ] on cross-arm assemblies; the effect of laminate properties on the failure of cross-arm structures under multiaxial load [ 20 ] and the influence of material configuration on the static deformation of composite cross-arms [ 21 ]. Long-term mechanical tests on the development of creep test rigs for cross-arms have also been conducted [ 22 , 23 , 24 ].…”