Influence of execution tolerances for friction connections in circular and polygonal towers for wind converters

Journal article (2017)

Authors

Christine Heistermann Luleå University of Technology
M. Pavlovic Luleå University of Technology, Steel & Composite Structures - CEG
M. Veljkovic Luleå University of Technology, Steel & Composite Structures - CEG
Daniel Pak Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule, University of Siegen
Markus Feldmann Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule
Carlos Rebelo Universidade de Coimbra
Luís Simões da Silva Universidade de Coimbra
Research Group
Steel & Composite Structures (CEG) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2017 Christine Heistermann, M. Pavlovic, M. Veljkovic, Daniel Pak, Markus Feldmann, Carlos Rebelo, Luis Simões da Silva
DOI
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https://doi.org/10.18057/IJASC.2017.13.4.2
FEA Circular cross section Execution tolerance Friction connection Long open slotted hole Polygonal cross section Steel tubular tower Wind energy converter
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Published Date

2017

Language

English

Faculty

Civil Engineering & Geosciences

Department

Engineering Structures

Research Group

Steel & Composite Structures

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.