Dynamic Modeling of Atmospheric Watch Observatory (AWO) Transport by GreenlandInland Traverse (GrIT)
Abstract
The National Science Foundation (NSF) plans to install a new Atmospheric Watch Observatory (AWO) to upgrade its research facilities at Summit Station, Greenland. The AWO welded-steel lower frame exceeds the size and weight limits for airlift transport; therefore, the only option to transport it to Summit is the Greenland Inland Traverse (GrIT) by using the newly developed Air Ride Cargo Sleds (ARCS). The study objectives were to determine whether GrIT can safely transport the AWO structure to Summit Station. The study addressed three assembly cases by estimating the transport-induced stresses and structural deformation by using the finite element method (FEM). The present analyses results strongly suggest that a preassembled AWO can safely travel to Summit via GrIT, which would allow NSF to realize cost and schedule savings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1064204
Entities
People
- Arnold J. Song
- James H. Lever