The evaluation with ANSYS of stresses in hazelnut silos using Eurocode 1

Abstract

In this study, the optimum silo dimensions for the barrel-type steel-concentrated silo with a conical outlet port usable in the hazelnut storage were investigated. Three different types of silo models as Model 1 (1635 tons), Model 2 (620 tons) and Model 3 (1124 tons) were used in the study. Varying wall thicknesses were used for Model 1 (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 20 mm), Model 2 (10, 15 and 20 mm) and Model 3 (10, 15 and 20 mm) silos. For Model 1 silo has the most storage capacity here, to determine its optimum wall thickness, the wall thicknesses of 11, 12, 13 and 14 mm were used as different from the other models. Thus the stresses occurring in different lines with ANSYS finite element software were examined. In the study it was determined that the 10, 11 and 12 mm wall thicknesses of the Model 1 silo are not safe in terms of the stresses caused by the vertical pressure loads in the filling conditions. From the view of the filling and discharge conditions, other wall thicknesses and model silos were diagnosed to be secure. The optimum silo dimensions which won't cause any structural problems have been found out as the Model 1 silo with a 13 mm wall thickness when the filling capacity and the maximum von Mises stresses are taken into account. This barrel-type silo with conical outlet port sets forth the most convenient properties in hazelnut storing in terms of engineering.