Non-uniform temperature fields in steel tubes with different inclinations under solar radiation

The temperature distribution within steel tubes is subject to non-uniformity due to the influence of surrounding environmental factors, which could pose safety concerns for steel structures. In response, this study undertook a comprehensive long-term experimental investigation, aimed at elucidating the temperature distribution characteristics of inclined steel tubes. The results underscored the non-uniform distribution of temperature fields in steel tubes under the influence of solar radiation, with notable sensitivity to their inclinations and orientations. In addition, a numerical simulation model specifically tailored to represent the thermal behavior of inclined steel tubes was developed and subsequently validated using empirical data gathered from the aforementioned experiments. Based on the developed simulation model, the thermal behaviors of a steel-arch-tower were numerically analyzed. It was shown that distinct vertical temperature variations exist across different sections of the tower, while the horizontal temperature differentials exhibit consistent trend. The outcomes of this combined experimental and numerical study provide useful references to understand the thermal effects in steel structures. •Non-uniform temperature fields on steel tubes with different inclinations and orientations were experimentally investigated.•A refined numerical thermal simulation model was developed and validated by the experimental data.•The temperature distribution characteristics of a steel-arch-tower in four different seasons were studied.