Thermal Analysis of a Metal Structure Using the Ansys Software

Abstract

Metallic structures are an alternative in civil construction in terms of optimization of time and efficiency, about the construction process, besides being more versatile, durable, resistant and sustainable compared to other structures. Therefore, self-supporting metal towers have become indispensable in the expansion of large urban centers, due to the need for more slender, efficient and durable structures to the impacts caused by both man and the environment. However, its structures suffer daily from long sun exposure and contact with the atmosphere, which carries chemical elements that react with the material and cause pathologies such as thermal wear and chemical corrosion. Thus, the proposal of the work consists of analysing the behaviour and thermal performance of a metal tower with different metal alloys: ASTM A36, ASTM A570, and ASTM B338, thus determining density, capacity, and thermal conductivity. The model of the self-supporting tower used, is 36 meters high, opening the base of 15 meters, weighing throughout 209,730 kg and with a total of 1777 connecting elements distributed throughout the structure, shown in (Figure 1).

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