Influence of execution tolerances for friction connections in circular and polygonal towers for wind converters
Christine Heistermann (Luleå University of Technology)
Marko Pavlović (TU Delft - Steel & Composite Structures, Luleå University of Technology)
Milan Veljković (Luleå University of Technology, TU Delft - Steel & Composite Structures)
Daniel Pak (University of Siegen, RWTH Aachen University)
Markus Feldmann (RWTH Aachen University)
Carlos Rebelo (Universidade de Coimbra)
Luis Simões da Silva (Universidade de Coimbra)
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Abstract
Friction connections with long open slotted holes have been proven to be a competitive alternative to the conventional flange connections in steel tubular towers for wind energy converters. As full-scale tests are not available, results of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of the real-scale tower geometry are used in this paper to investigate the influence of tower cross section shape, execution tolerance (gap between the shells) and length of the connection on the bending resistance. Buckling behaviour of the shell in the vicinity of the friction connection in circular and polygonal towers is compared. The friction connection is thoroughly examined and recommendations for execution tolerances are given. The influence of two types of the execution tolerances on the connection strength is considered: inward bended “fingers”, leading to inclined gaps, and a parallel gap created by different tower diameters.
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