Cruzetas de polímeros reciclados: caracterização dos materiais, análise numérica e ensaios de modelos reduzidos / Recycled polymer crossarms: characterization of the materials, numerical analysis and tests in reduced models

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2007

RESUMO

Nowadays, wood is still the most used material in crossarms of aerial power distribution lines in Brazil. However, it has caused problems to power utilities concerning (i) degradation due to defects and attacks of fungi and insects, (II) higher operational costs to replace damaged pieces and (III) environmental problems, as the raw material has become scarce and presented environmental restrictions. In this sense, studies have been conducted aiming to replace wood by other materials, such as steel, concrete and polymeric materials reinforced with short fibers. Although thermoplastic materials with structural function have a recent use, when compared to wood, concrete or metals, several factors contribute to their application (e.g., high energetic consumption in the production of steel and cement and the abundance of plastic material with competitive cost). Therefore, this work aims contribute to the development of a recycled polymer crossarm, to be commercially competitive, with advantages over the ones existing in the market, such as lower weight, easiness of installation and possibility of recovering part of the invested capital, when damaged, the material can be recycled again. An analysis of the geometric properties of possible transversal sections for the crossarms was conducted. After defining the most adequate sections, reduced models of polymeric crossarms and experimental tests were made. The results were validated by numerical analysis performed by ANSYS. The numerical models developed satisfactorily represented the behavior verified in the tests, proving the viability of using the recycled polymers in crossarms and other structural elements. However, as expected, some of their characteristics, such as resistance and stiffness, must be improved.

ASSUNTO(S)

mechanical tests cruzetas properties finite element analysis crossarms análise numérica polímeros reciclados propriedades recycled polymers ensaios mecânicos

ACESSO AO ARTIGO

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