Structural Analysis of High-End Server Computer Frames Under Earthquake Loading

This paper reports the mechanical design, structural analysis, and experimental correlation of bracing concepts for high-end computer servers subjected to loads simulating earthquake conditions. The development and evaluation of these stiffening alternatives follows a step-by-step process of finite element analysis coupled with parallel experimental testing. The numerical model is derived from the simplified CAD geometry of an existing server frame. An analysis of this frame model is subjected to a load environment similar to those endured under actual horizontal table vibration tests. The result of this series of analyses is a design study examining how a range of bracing designs affects the global frame rigidity. This design study builds toward the objective of constructing a verified model of the server frame and components that will lead to a guideline for implementing stiffener designs on high-end server systems.