Experimental Analysis of the Influence of Imposed Displacements at the Base of a Cooling Tower on its Buckling Stability

摘要

The results of an experimental investigation into the effect of displacements of the base of a model cooling tower on its buckling stability are presented. The displacement of the cooling tower base was imposed according to the formula: u_v = Δ_v cos2β where Δ_v represents the amplitude of the vertical displacements and β is the circumferential coordinate. An additional axisymmetric load was applied to the upper ring and the shell. The results were compared with findings for a shell without any base deformations. These investigations showed an insignificant influence of the imposed displacements at the tower base on its stability. Recommendations for design practice concerning the influence of base displacements on the cooling tower shell stability are included.