Wind-structure interaction data-driven neural-network model proposition for assessing performance of unique stiffening-helix against wind-induced open-top tank-buckling

Abstract

Empty steel-tanks are very much susceptible against buckling induced by wind loading. Ring and vertical stiffeners are commonly used to provide necessary strength to thin-walled steel tanks to resist wind-induced buckling. The authors have studied the performance of a unique, ribonucleic acid structure-inspired, stiffening-helix mechanism against the wind-induced buckling of open-top, cylindrical, empty, steel-tank. The most important output parameter of this study is the load multiplier (λ) of buckling, as it defines the stability of tank-shell against wind-induced buckling. The study variables are tank-height to tank-diameter (H/D) ratio, tank-radius to wall-thickness (r/t) ratio, basic wind speed (V_b) and helix pitch length to tank-height (L_P/H) ratio. This study has been performed through multiphysics system-coupling of computational fluid dynamics and structural mechanics (eigenvalue buckling). The stiffening-helix can provide necessary strength to open-top, cylindrical, steel-tank economically against wind-induced buckling. An artificial neural network (ANN) has been trained with the analytical data to develop a predictive model. The proposed predictive ANN model produces 99.11% average accuracy.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

open-top steel-tank / cylindrical steel-tank / stiffening-helix / wind-induced buckling / buckling load multiplier / artificial neural network

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