Numerical Optimization of the Dendritic Arm of a Radial Gate Based on Stability and Light Weight

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

To achieve stability and light of large-scale radial gate arm, a new dendritic arm structure is proposed. The arm structure was arranged according to the current steel gate design specification. It is of great significance to solve the stability and economy of radial gate structure. This research has great originality and important engineering application value. However, the following modifications are required.

1）It is suggested to supplement the abstract, which should be a high summary of the full text.

2）In the literature review part, we should evaluate the previous research results and suggest to supplement the evaluation content.

3）It is suggested to improve the quality of the pictures in the text.

Author Response

Response to Reviewer 1 Comments

 

Thank you very much for your review, here is my response.

 

Point 1: It is suggested to supplement the abstract, which should be a high summary of the full text.

 

Response 1: I have revised the abstract, which is as follows.

A new dendritic arm structure is proposed to achieve the stability and lightness of a large-scale radial gate arm. The arm structure was arranged in accordance with the current gate design specification for steel. Optimization aims to achieve the highest possible overall structural stability and the lowest possible weight. As the failure criterion for the entire structure, the simultaneous instability of trunks and branches of a dendritic arm is considered. The constraints of strength, stiffness, and stability are identified, and an optimization model of a dendritic arm with two branches is established. Implementing geometry and material nonlinear buckling analysis and optimization solution for dendritic arm with different radius, type, and unit rigidity ratios. Compared to the conventional radial gate structure with two arms, the Y-Type dendritic arm structure is lighter and more stable. The optimal dendritic arm has the following parameter settings: the angle ratio between two branches and two arms is [1.92,2.04], the unit rigidity ratio between trunk and branch is [5.33,6.02], the length ratio between branch and trunk is [0.96,1.09], the height ratio of trunk and branch is 1,805, and the flange thickness ratio of trunk and branch is 1,405. In this case, the overall buckling load ratio between the dendritic arm and the two arms is [2.50, 4.34], and the material saving rate is [37,53] (%). Within the aforementioned parameters, the Y-Type dendritic arm performs better overall. Moreover, the radius of the radial gate has minimal influence on the shape and mechanical properties of the Y-type dendritic arm structure. This paper proposes a dendritic arm that can be utilized in most radial gate projects.

 

Point 2: In the literature review part, we should evaluate the previous research results and suggest to supplement the evaluation content.

 

Response 2: I have revised the evaluation of other studies in the literature review section.

However, the above researches are the application of tree structure in light or large-span space building based on Euler's theory, but the effects of the initial geometric imperfections, geometry, and material nonlinearity of tree structure were not taken into account. Specifically, the arm weight of a large-scale hydraulic radial gate accounted for forty to fifty percent of its total mass. In addition, self-weight is substantial, opening and closing are frequent, and its normal and flexible operation has a direct impact on the safety and productivity of the entire project. Consequently, it is necessary to investigate the application of dendritic arm structure in hydraulic projects' radial gates.

 

Point 3: It is suggested to improve the quality of the pictures in the text.

 

Response 2: I have modified the unclear figure in the paper, please refer to the revised draft for details.

 

 

I will add the revised paper to the attachment, thank you very much for your valuable comments, I wish you all the best.

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

The authors are addressing a relevant topic but the clarity of the manuscript leaves much to be desired. For example, a clear definition sketch of the various parameters and angles is lacking. Also, references are not made according to publication conventions (last name only -no first names- in the text and last name first followed by initials in the references). Overall the manuscript requires considerable improvement on the use of the English language, before it can be accepted for publication.

Hence the recommendation for major revision. 

Author Response

Response to Reviewer 2 Comments

 

Thank you very much for your review, here is my response.

 

Point 1: The authors are addressing a relevant topic but the clarity of the manuscript leaves much to be desired. For example, a clear definition sketch of the various parameters and angles is lacking. Also, references are not made according to publication conventions (last name only -no first names- in the text and last name first followed by initials in the references). Overall the manuscript requires considerable improvement on the use of the English language, before it can be accepted for publication.

 

Response 1: We have modified the problems in the article and re-modified the clarity of the figure. The full text has been modified in English language.

 

I will add the revised paper to the attachment, thank you very much for your valuable comments, I wish you all the best.

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf