Design Optimization of Vertical Water wheel Generator Lower Brackets

Abstract

<p>In this thesis the functions, method of structural analysis, and design limits of lower brackets are described. The results of an investigation of the design formulae, the development of a method of optimizing the design, and the results of an experimental check on the accuracy of the design formulae are presented.</p> <p>The maximum stresses as determined by experiment were in good agreement with the theoretical predictions, however, the stresses measured at other locations and the deflection were not. The optimizing technique used was successful in reducing the value of the optimization function from an initial starting point and produced consistent results with different starting points.</p>