Nonlinear analysis and research of flexible giant Ferris wheel

Abstract

Integrating rigid rim with flexible cables, flexible giant Ferris wheel is huge in figure and special in structure form. The boundary conditions are very complex and it is much influenced by the sensitivity factors such as temperature, defect, and redundancy. Combined with a project example of flexible giant Ferris wheel, mechanical performance for rim and cables were analyzed. The rational initial prestress was chosen to optimize the structural behaviour. The stability analysis considering the initial imperfection was performed to research the nonlinear buckling characteristics. Taking the geometric and material nonlinearity into account, the elasto-plastic limit bearing capacity analysis revealed the structural characteristics comprehensively. The results indicated that: nonlinear characteristics of flexible giant Ferris wheel is obvious due to the introduction of prestressed cable; mechanical performance of the structure depends on the initial prestressing force; the wheel consisting of radiate spoke cables and space truss provides strong lateral stiffness as well as torsional stiffness and the stability performance is favorable; the plastic development mechanism is beneficial and the elasto-plastic limit bearing capacity is so large that the wheel can satisfy the need both for operating condition and for storm condition.