Numerical characterization of the structural response of helical constructions to radial and thermal loads

The current work elaborates a methodology for the simulation and characterization of the mechanical response of helical structures to radial and thermal loads. The model is extensively validated using both analytical, closed-form expressions and commercial finite element models over a wide range of geometric configurations. Thereupon, the influence of the helix geometry on the construction's radial and thermal loading mechanical properties is analyzed, while a case study comparison of the helix radial and thermal, with the helix axial and torsional loading mechanical properties is made. The results indicate that depending on the helix geometry, the forces and moments created by radial or thermal loads can be considerably higher than the ones induced by axial or torsional loads, rendering their incorporation an indispensable part of the analysis.