The performance and mechanism of abrasion damage of steel structure coatings under the action of wind gravel flow: Laboratory experiment and numerical simulation

Abstract

In the Xinjiang region of China, transmission tower coatings undergo consistent wear from wind gravel flow (WGF), which jeopardizes their durability. This study assesses the effect of wind speed, attack angle, and gravel size on the durability and wear patterns of graphite/epoxy coatings by experiment and simulation. The results show that these coatings exhibit characteristics that bridge the gap between elasticity and plasticity, and larger gravel particles cause more damage than their smaller counterparts. From our experiments, a graphite/epoxy coatings abrasion model was formulated. Additionally, numerical simulations provided insights into the pressure variations on the abrasion surface and the dynamics of the neighboring flow field. This study provides guidance for the protection of electrical systems in the Gobi's windy areas.