Abstract
Steel stiffener is required for reinforcing the structure of the window frame made of versatile but weak PVC material. Steel stiffener however becomes a source of greater heat loss and frequently plays a role of thermal bridge due to its high thermal conductivity. To maintain thermal resistance similar to PVC frame, steel stiffener is perforated to reduce the effective heat transfer area. To compensate the structural strength of the steel stiffener which is weakened by the perforation, the thickness is increased. Increase in thickness will also increase the thermal heat resistance. Five samples which are PVC frame, PVC frame + original steel stiffener, PVC frame + 30% perforated steel stiffener, PVC frame + 50% perforated steel stiffener, PVC frame + 65% perforated steel stiffener are modeled and simulated for 2nd moment of area and thermal resistance. Therm/window version 6.3 is used for thermal analysis. The results show that among the five samples analyzed, PVC frame + 65% perforated steel stiffener best satisfies both structural strength and thermal resistance.
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