Longitude has been engaged for the design of pole masts for naval vessels. Key to the design is the choice of material as well as accurate calculation of the natural frequency of the structure to avoid the mast resonating in service.
The use of aluminium and composites in the mast needs detailed assessment which is carried out using finite element analysis. By modelling both the structure and the masses on the mast accurately the same model can be used for the assessment of different parameters such as:
- Strength in service
- Natural frequency
- Design of bolted connections
- Hot spot analysis at intersections of structure
- Fatigue in service
- Vortex Inducted Vibration
For all masts the assessment covers both the design of the mast for immediate service as well as the effects of increased masses during future service.
