BUCKETS ELEVATOR SUBJECTED TO HURRICANE WINDS FORCES WITH VARIABLE INCIDENCE ANGLE STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

The present work analyzes, using the finite elements method, the buckets elevator structure when it is subjected to wind’s pressures caused by a category 5 hurricane, according to Saffir-Simpsom’s scale. Tensional state is determined according to von Mises criterion caused by the action of the structural group own weight and the basic pressure characteristic of wind, certain from the NC 285:2003. The variation influence of wind incidence angle (WIA) on the structure is checked, being 60º angle the most critical component, since the material yield limit is exceeded. Likewise, it is evidenced that the structure displacement is moderate due to solicitations that provoke it. Finally, it is related in a mathematical model the wind’s incidence angle influence variation in buckets elevator structure stress’s.