Finite Element Analysis of Sunscreen Panels and Supports

Objective
To build a FE model of a sunscreen panel and supports and to investigate the structure's response to wind loads.

Summary
MSC.Software Australia were commissioned to investigate the structural behaviour of a composite sunscreen panel consisting of an expanded polystyrene core and steel skin and to assess the response of the panel and its supports to wind loads. The panel and associated structural members were therefore modelled and analysed using the Finite Element Method (FEM) of stress analysis. The focus of the analysis was to obtain insight into the nature of the stresses developed in the panel by wind loads and support constraints and to assess the sheer stresses developed in the core.

The FE model included the panel core and skin, the panel's supporting angle and clamping plate, bolts and two layers of double sided adhesive foam tape bonding the panel to the angle support and clamping plate. Wind loads were applied in accordance with AS 1170.2.

The results of the FE analyses showed that the shear stresses in the core were within acceptable limits and that the maximum stresses were highly localised. The analysis also assisted in the design of panel and support assemblies by revealing the nature of the stress distribution in the panels and the effects of the clamping and bonding actions on the panel's structural response.