Development and numerical modeling of composite structures

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Date
2016
Authors
Gerami, Hamid
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Abstract
This thesis deals with the development and numerical modeling of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) wind turbine towers and luminaires. More specifically, this project is designed to capitalize on the technologies developed at the University of Manitoba to design FRP composite structures for use in remote communities where the costs of transportation and erection make the use of steel towers prohibitive. The work presented includes the analysis of a 50 m tall 750 kW wind turbine tower according to International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Canadian Standard Association (CSA) standards using Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP), Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) and conventional steel. Standard luminaires, 6 m and 12 m, were also designed according to American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards for highway luminaires. The results showed that FRP can be effectively used as an alternative material for wind turbine towers and luminaires. Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composite wind turbine towers and luminaires studied in this project are lighter than similar structures fabricated using steel. Furthermore, these structures also meet the structural performance requirements set by AASHTO, IEC and CSA standards.
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Keywords
Composite structures, Wind Turbine towers
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