Utvärdering av glasfiberrör för ramkonstruktion : Alternativa material och design

Sammanfattning:  Better Shelter is an organization that provides temporary shelter units for refugees in the nearby areas. The organization needs to evaluate the current glass fiber pipes in the framework construction to be able to replace the component with a less costly alternative. In this thesis focus is put on the structural analysis of the glassfiber pipes. Alternativematerials and cross-sectional designs are evaluated with respect to their performance, weight and cost. The  results of this study are based on analytical calculations, modeling in FEM- programsand testing of the material. The glass fiber pipes’performance is evaluated by using theFEM--‐program ANSYS Workbenchtoanalyzetheconditionofthecomponent’stress,strainanddeformation. Material testingisconductedtoverifytheglassfibers’elastic--‐modulus.Furthermore,analytical calculations were conducted to compare the alternative materials and cross--‐sectional design. The limitations of the project included material analyzed which was limited to fiberglass, steel, aluminum and magnesium alloy. The cross--‐sectional designs evaluated were circular, oval, square and rectangular. Finally, a 3D simulation of the shelter unit was done with ANSYS Mechanical which calculated the deformation for thedifferent construction material. The existing fiberglass pipes have a maximum performance of 874 N which corresponds to a wind speed of 23.8 m/s and a maximum deformation of 0.41 m. The elasticity modulus of the glass fiber is estimated to 37.7 GPa, which deviates by 7.7% from the product specification. Fiberglass is the most optima lsolution in regards to weight compared to alternative materials. From a cost perspective, aluminum is the best option as it is within reasonable limits. The square tubes are the most favorable option considering both weight and price, regardless of material and performance requirements. The best option to replace the current fiberglass pipes are square aluminum tubes. Such a change means a price reduction of 5.58 SEK/pipe but a weight gain of about 240 g/pipe. The maximum deformation of the module housing in ANSYS Mechanical for glass fiber is estimated to 36.9 mm on the house's long side, and the maximum deformation on the short side is estimated to 163.6 mm.