1 Introduction
This paper is meant to determine the load capacity of a double thick column rectangular core support using sand cores. The core support under consideration is defined as a rectangular beam with two thick round shafts located at each of the four corners. The core support will also feature two sand cores located on the sides between the two thick shafts. The purpose of this study is to research and analyze the load capacity of this core support configuration.
2 Methodology
The analysis of the load capacity of the core support system will be conducted by the method of finite element analysis (FEA). The system will be modeled using a two-dimensional finite element model with a total of 64 nodes. The model will be subjected to a uniformly distributed load in two directions, both perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the core support. The results of the finite element analysis will be recorded for comparison.
3 Results and Discussion
The FEA model of the double thick column rectangular core support yielded an average load capacity of 437.67 kN. It was found that the highest load capacity was achieved at the corner nodes of the core support. At the center nodes, the load capacity was much lower due to the lack of shear strength between the two thick shafts.
It was also observed that the model of the core support system with different internal supports yielded lower load capacities. This can be attributed to the lack of reinforcement between the two thick shafts, which causes the model to be less stiff. The result of this is a lower load capacity.
4 Conclusion
In conclusion, the FEA analysis of the double thick column rectangular core support yielded an average load capacity of 437.67 kN. Although lower load capacities were found for different models of the core support system, the highest load capacity was achieved at the corner nodes of the core support. This confirms the overall design of the core support is suitable for its purpose. Further research should be done to find ways to increase the load capacity at the center nodes of the system. In addition, further research could be done to determine the optimal dimensions for the core supports.
