INFLUENCE OF THE MERIDIAN CURVE ON MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF HYPERBOLOIDAL COOLING TOWERS

In order to optimize the meridian curve of hyperboloidal cooling towers (HCTs), its influence on the dead weight effects and wind load effects of HCTs was illustrated through comparative analysis according to the slope of meridian curve and internal forces. An explanation for the Ferrybridge accident was also represented on the basis of the influence mechanism. Influence of the meridian curve can be classified into three types, local defects, existing of straight line and global curve. Local defects include fluctuation and leap of the slope of meridian curve which exacerbate internal forces, but it can be eliminated by minor changes of the local meridian curve. At the place where the meridian curve changes into straight line, the meridian axial force under wind loads will leap and then aggregate downward along the height in straight line. The aggregation is related to the length and slope of the straight line, and is not always adverse for mechanical performance; properly designed, the straight line in meridian curve may be more beneficial to mechanical performance than traditional hyperbolic curve. However, the latitude axial force in straight line will be aggravated under wind loads, so the local buckling problem should be examined carefully according to the BSS approach.