Analysis of Hinge System for Large-Scale Hydraulic Radial Gate

As the key components of large-scale hydraulic radial gate, hinge system play an important role in supporting the gate and sustaining loads. They must satisfy the requirements of intensity, rigidity and supporting stability. Due to the complicated working conditions of the gate, it is difficult to calculate stress and strain of the hinge system based on traditional design method. In this paper, taking the radial gate in Silin hydropower station as an example, finite element technology is introduced into the analysis of the hinge system. The approach of this work includes steps of (1) obtaining the maximum load of the hinge system by analyzing and comparing different working conditions of the gate, (2) modeling the hinge system by meshing, loading and boundary constraints, and (3) computing stress and strain of its major components under the most dangerous condition. The results verify design feasibility and structural reliability of the hinge system.