Monotonic tensile tests and finite element analysis of the connection between photovoltaic modules and cables in cable trusses-supported photovoltaic system
Experimental and numerical analysis reveals dual failure modes in photovoltaic cable truss connections, indicating clamp web thickening optimizes both load capacity and ductility.
Key Points
To determine the failure modes, deformation behavior, and ultimate load-bearing capacity of bolted clamp connections between photovoltaic modules and support cables under tensile loads.
Conducted monotonic static tensile tests using specialized test fixtures on two commonly used bolted clamp connection specimens.
Developed a validated finite element model based on experimental results to execute parametric analyses on clamp geometric dimensions.
Identified two distinct failure modes under vertical tensile loading: module frame pull-off with a capacity of 17.90 kN, and cable clamp fracture with a capacity of 17.28 kN.
Demonstrated that the clamp fracture mode exhibited greater plastic deformation, achieving an 18.8% higher vertical displacement at ultimate load than the frame pull-off mode.
Found via parametric analysis that increasing overall clamp thickness improves load capacity but reduces deformation capacity, whereas increasing clamp web thickness enhances both load-bearing and deformation capacity.