Finite elements method for the dynamic analysis of tapered composite poles

This paper presents a simple finite element formulation for the dynamic ana lysis of tapered composite poles with hollow circular cross-section. These poles, designed for use in power transmission lines, are made from vinylest er reinforced with E-glass fibers and are produced using the filament windi ng technique. Transmission poles are mainly subjected to cantilever bending since loading due to the wires and wind gusts is applied laterally. 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 orthotropic or anisotropic. Shear effects are accounted for in the analysi s because of their significant role. Modal 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 cod es. The analytical results presented herein are based on typical composite poles produced by filament winding. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All righ ts reserved.