Title: Computer aided analysis of mild steel and FRP composite foundations

Authors: K. Ramji, V. Ramamohana Rao, P.V.S. Ganesh Kumar, D. Lingaraju

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College of Engineering(A), Andhra University, Vishakapatnam 530 001, Andhra Pradesh, India. ' Scientist – D, NSTL(DRDO), Vishakapatnam-530 001, Andhra Pradesh, India. ' Scientist – F, NSTL(DRDO), Vishakapatnam 530 001, Andhra Pradesh, India. ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, GVP College of Engineering (A), Madhurawada, Vishakapatnam-530 041, Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract: This paper outlines the development of a marine foundation structure using lightweight composite materials to replace the existing steel structure material. The research is conducted using deterministic and experimental modal analysis techniques. Structural analyses such as static, modal and frequency response analysis are carried out in finite element analysis package ANSYS. Experimental modal analyses of mild steel and composite foundations are carried out to validate the results of computational analysis and finite element model of both the foundations. Further validation of software Msc NASTRAN is used to compare the results of modal analysis of composite foundation in ANSYS. Experimental shock test is also carried out to composite foundation. The results show that the composite marine foundation structure is able to reduce the weight, provide better vibration damping characteristics and achieve the safety as compared with that of mild steel foundation.

Keywords: composite base; FRP composites; shock tests; impact tests; mild steel; fibre-reinforced polymers; marine foundations; modal analysis; structural analysis; finite element analysis; FEA; modelling; weight reduction; vibration damping; structural safety.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAET.2011.038825

International Journal of Computer Aided Engineering and Technology, 2011 Vol.3 No.2, pp.175 - 203

Published online: 30 Sep 2014 *

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