Design and Experimental Analysis of Composite Grating (IJSTE/ Volume 3 / Issue 06 / 030)
Fig. 4: Measurement of Composite Grating
IV. EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION AND RESULTS Composite grating plate is analysed against pre-defined load conditions by using Universal Testing machine. Experimental Procedure 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7)
Arrange grating with help of fixture on the base of machine. Adjust the actuator on the center of grating with loading plate. Arrange the strain gauges on both side of grating. Start the machine & apply the load of 5400 N on center of grating. Record the reading of load, deflection & stress. Store the data in computer to generate the graph of load Vs deflection & stress. Release the load, so that actuator moves in original position. Sr. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Table – 3 Observation Table for UTM Readings Description Min Max Flat Thickness, mm Span Length, mm Span Width, mm Grating Area, m2 Applied Load, kN Shear Stress, kN/m2 192 X 10^3 Deflection, mm 2.5
Set 1 5 1000 1000 1 5.4 538 2.3
Set 2 5 1000 1000 1 5.5 537 2.7
Results from Experimental Analysis The results obtained in analytical design calculations and experimental testing for composite grating are summarized below. Sr. No. 1 2 3
Table - 4 Test Results for Composite Grating Result Description Analytical Calculations Total Load Applied on Grating, N 5400 Deflection due to loading, mm 1.54 Induced shear force, kN/m2 432
Experimental Testing 5400 2.3 538
1) The weight of the composite grating for equivalent area and strength is 13.8 kg as compared to 24.5 kg of metallic grating. This will have a significant impact on the supporting structural design. 2) The composite grating is limited to use for ambient temperature conditions only. Use of grating at elevated temperatures i.e. above 60 degree has direct impact on the strength of the plates. 3) Since the composite grating is completely made of non-corrosive substances, it is purely corrosion resistance. This gives advantage over metallic grating which needs galvanizing treatment before using in saline atmosphere. 4) The grating is giving 2.3 mm deflection when loaded with 5400 N. However this deflection is within acceptable limit of 2.5 mm. 5) The flexibility of composite grating absorbs the shock or impact loads which metallic grating cannot absorb and will bend permanently. 6) FRP Composite is purely non-conductive in nature and hence the grating can be used for electrical machinery platforms where metallic grating cannot be used for safety reasons. All rights reserved by www.ijste.org
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