Purpose of this research work is to model and analyze the Store Carrying Rack (SCR) of a fighter aircraft with an objective to improve its aerodynamic performance. Refined and grid independent mesh is generated with a technique used for symmetric bodies. The different CFD technique, to capture the flow physics parallel and perpendicular to the wall of the rack, is implemented. It includes capturing the boundary layer, flow separation, vortices formation etc. Results, for the actual flight conditions of the aircraft, are acquired. The results were compared to identify the reason of modification in model. CFD results of racks were validated through Wind Tunnel Test of a scaled down model in a subsonic Wind Tunnel. A new model is proposed having least drag among all the three models. Sears-Hacck volume distribution is the datum for modification in shape. The new proposed model SCR-9AB is recommended for the future shape modification of SCR.

Industrial pallet rack systems are made up of three-dimensional structural arrangement using cold-formed steel members. The rack columns (upright) have perforations at prescribed intervals to facilitate the assemblage of beams with end connections. The tabs are used as connections which are engaged into the perforations and are in particular, highly semi-rigid in nature. Due to the diversity of rack systems, connecting member’s stiffness and strength, it is almost impossible to develop a generalised model for analytical predication of the connection stiffness. This paper describes the beam-column connection tests carried out on a commercially available pallet rack system by adopting single cantilever test set-up. Thirty-five sets of combinations are identified based on the variation in upright profile and thickness, depth of beam and the connector to study the connection stiffness. Three tests were performed for each set to bring in uniformity in the result taking the total number of tests to 105. A full range parametric study is carried out to understand the influence of above said parameters on moment–rotation behaviour and the joint stiffness. The experimental results showed that an improved performance of the joint connection is achieved using connectors with more number of tabs, greater thickness and improved profile of the upright and larger depth of the beam.

In the present paper, hydraulic parameters of bottom rack structures are investigated experimentally in clear water. A double storey channel was designed to measure the remained and diverted discharges Qr and Qd, respectively, when the flow passed over a bottom rack. The effects of various parameters on the discharge coefficient Cd such as intake length L, ratio of clear open spaces to the total intake surface e and bar diameter Æ were explored by performing several sets of experiments with different discharges. Additionally, statistical investigations on experimental discharge coefficients led to a non-linear relationship among bar arrangements, ratio of bar diameter to the clear space between bars, and bottom rack's Reynolds number. Finally, a simple guideline is suggested for a successful rack design.

Industrial storage racks are among the most important structures made from cold-formed steel sections. This paper deals with linear and nonlinear stability analysis of a pallet racking system. The main focus of this study is to ascertain the stability of 2-D frames of a pallet racking system. With this objective, pallet racking system with cold-formed steel section is simulated by 2-D models using shell elements in ABAQUS. Linear and nonlinear stability analyses are carried out on these frames. The results are obtained from FE analysis of frames with 12 types of column sections are presented in this paper.

The hydraulics of bottom rack intakes was 3D numerical simulate and some of its important specifications like the wetted rack length were studied. The bottom rack intake is a hydraulic structure designed for achieving robust function of water intakes in mountain regions. Computational abilities of CFD techniques were employed to simulate the flow hydraulics on this structure. To achieve this, the software Fluent 6.3.26 and finite volume method are used. The water intake and the bottom rack were simulated according to the physical model built Vienna University of Technology by Dorbir et al. in 2003. Analytical computations performed by former researchers were also compared to the numerical results in addition to the physical ones. This comparison shows outstanding adaptation and relevant relationships between the numerical CFD results and the analytical and physical model findings. The optimum wetted rack length is studied according to the bottom rack bar sections and spacing.

Steel pipe racks are among the most critical structures in various industries, including oil and petrochemical sectors. They are used for transporting fluids, gases, and chemicals. Given the extensive application of these structures in the oil and gas industry, their optimisation is of paramount importance. This research aims to reduce the construction costs of steel pipe racks via practical weight optimisation using the Grey Wolf Optimiser (GWO) and Whale Optimisation Algorithm (WOA) metaheuristic algorithms, as well as comparing their responses. In this study, the aforementioned algorithms are developed automatically through MATLAB, and by interfacing with ETABS, enable the optimal design of steel pipe racks while adhering to design code requirements. Leveraging metaheuristic algorithms and complying with design code requirements, this research seeks to provide a practical solution for the safe and optimised design of steel pipe rack structures, thereby reducing construction costs in the oil and gas industry. The proposed framework is evaluated on two steel pipe racks, incorporating key design considerations. The results demonstrate that both GWO and WOA metaheuristic optimisation methods can serve as effective tools for engineers in achieving cost-efficient designs.

Seismic evaluation of pipe rack supporting structures in a petrochemical complex as one of the most important parts of structural systems for safe and stable production processes have been studied in this paper. The behavior of these supporting structures is similar to steel or reinforced concrete frame supporters for elevated processing pipes. Qualitative and quantitative methods of seismic vulnerability evaluations have been used according to the ASCE-1998 standards. In qualitative evaluation, the seismic vulnerability factors are determined by visual inspections and walk down the structural systems. Computer modelings have been used in quantitative evaluation of the supporting structures, including equivalent static analysis and linear dynamic analysis by considering torsion and P-Δ effects. Site specific earthquake records and design spectrum have been used as input seismic forces. Also, gravity and thermal loads based on the existing documents and design calculation sheets and specification notes have been considered in the analyses. Gravity and lateral load combinations have been considered for seismic evaluation of foundation systems. Overturning stability of structures and uplifting of foundation systems due to the gravity and lateral loads, and also, lateral displacements, frame element and connection capacities have been investigated. However, different methods of seismic strengthening and retrofitting of structural system have been proposed.