Finite elements method for the dynamic analysis of tapered composite poles

Abstract

This paper presents a simple finite element formulation for the dynamic analysis of tapered composite poles with hollow circular cross-section. These poles, designed for use in power transmission lines, are made from vinylester reinforced with E-glass fibers and the produced using the filament winding technique. Transmission poles are mainly subjected to cantilever bending since loading due to the wires and wind gusts is applied literally. In the present analysis, the poles are modeled with tapered beam elements. It is assumed that the behavior is linearly elastic and the material is specially orthotrophic or anisotopic. Shear effects are accounted for in the analysis because of their significant role. Model analysis is performed to obtain the natural frequency and period of poles with various lengths and geometry, and the results are compared to commercially available finite element codes. The analytical results presented herein are based on typical composite poles produced by filament winding.