Wind load simulation for the analysis of the antenna dual-purpose poles aerodynamics

Abstract

Introduction. In addition to the location of cellular communication equipment, dual-purpose poles perform the function of a lighting pole. Since dual-purpose pole are located on the central streets of the city, they have strength margins and minimum dimensions. The growing number of urban dual-purpose poles makes the correct calculation very relevant for ensuring their safe operation.Aim. Analysis of the change in the wind load on the dual-purpose pole with panel antennas and its effect on the strength of the dual-purpose pole structure. In order to achieve this, the following tasks were formulated: to deter-mine the dependence of the aerodynamic coefficient and the magnitude of the wind load on the dimensions of panel antennas and their location; to formulate recommendations for the installation of panel antennas on the upper dual-purpose pole section with a diameter of 114 mm.Materials and methods. An analysis of changes in the wind load and aerodynamic coefficient of the dual-purpose pole section, 114 mm in diameter, with panel antennas, installed thereon, depending on the dimensions of antennas and their location.Results. The aerodynamic coefficient was established to decrease at an increase in the projection of the panel antennas beyond the pipe rack, regardless of their dimensions. The more the panel antennas are pressed against the pipe rack, the closer they are to the neighboring antennas, thereby making it difficult to blow the cross-section in the center. Despite the fact that the aerodynamic coefficient decreases with an increase in the projection beyond the pipe rack, the value of the wind load remains almost constant.Conclusions. Panel antennas on a pipe rack with a diameter of 114 mm must be designed taking into account the cross-section dimensions of panel antennas. If the panel antenna width and thickness exceed 350 and 150 mm, respectively, the installation of such panel antennas should be as close as possible to the considered pipe rack in order to reduce the wind load on the dual-purpose pole. In other cases, the projection of panel antennas will have no significant effect on the change in the wind load.