Automated Production of Composite Energy Absorbing Utility Poles

KaZaK Composites, Kaman Sciences and Dr. Malcolm Ray of the University of Iowa propose to investigate the design of energy absorbing utility poles made from composite materials. This team has considerable experience in the multiple technologies needed to successfully complete the proposed program, including design of high performance composite products for automated production and design, analysis and testing of highway safety equipment. The team will develop at least three composite pole designs in Phase I, each optimized for production using a different automated composite manufacturing technology to minimize cost of the commercial product. Each candidate design will be analyzed using static finite element methods to verify that performance meets non-impact specifications. The DYNA-3D code will be used to model the pole's impact performance. The Swedish ESV pole, an existing metal design, will be analyzed and used as the baseline against which the relative merits of the new composite pole designs will be measured. A trade study of candidate designs will be conducted to select one combination of materials, geometry and production process for additional development during Phase II. It is expected that Phase II will include full scale prototype production and impact testing prior to commercialization.