Wind Tunnel Test on the Wind-Resistant Behavior of a Long-Span Cable-Stayed Bridge during Erection

In order to investigate the aerodynamic behavior of the Sutong bridge over Yangtze River during erection, a 1：50 sectional model of the bridge deck, a 1： 100 full aeroelastic model of the free standing pylon and a 1： 125 full aeroelastic model for the maxim cantilever configuration were built. The test results show that there was no serious vortex-induced vibration at the bridge deck, and that the free standing tower, the model scale and the turbulence intensity influenced static loading. The buffeting responses during the maximum cantilever configuration did not affect the safety of the bridge under construction.

A Wind Tunnel Two-Dimensional Parametric Investigation of Biplane Configurations

This paper presents an experimental and systematic investigation about how geometric parameters on a biplane configuration have an influence on aerodynamic parameters. This experimental investigation has been developed in a two-dimensional approach. Theoretical studies about biplanes configurations have been developed in the past, but there is not enough information about experimental wind tunnel data at low Reynolds number. This two-dimensional study is a first step to further tridimensional investigations about the box wing configuration. The main objective of the study is to find the relationships between the geometrical parameters which present the best aerodynamic behavior： the highest lift, the lowest drag and the lowest slope of the pitching moment. A tridimensional wing-box model will be designed following the pattern of the two dimensional study conclusions. It will respond to the geometrical relationships that have been considered to show the better aerodynamic behavior. This box-wing model will be studied in the aim of comparing the advantages and disadvantages between this biplane configuration and the plane configuration, looking for implementing the box-wing in the UAV＇s field. Although the box wing configuration has been used in a small number of existing UAV, prestigious researchers have found it as a field of high aerodynamic and structural potential.

A video camera recording method for measuring terminal velocity of seed dispersal by wind

An accurate and convenient method is essential for measuring the terminal velocity of seeds dispersed by wind.Systematic and random errors produced by existing methods lower the accuracy and convenience in determining seed terminal velocity.In this study,a video camera was used to record the falling process of forty-one species of wind-borne seed with eight appendage structures and seven aerodynamic behaviors in a settling tower at a speed of 50 frames per second(fps).The videos were analyzed by Quick Time Player to determine seed acceleration height,acceleration time,and terminal velocity.The results showed that acceleration height and time,terminal velocity,and the diff erence between terminal velocity and descent velocity(DTD)increased with wing loading.Compared with dropping methods,the camera recording method eliminated the eff ect of acceleration and corrected seed terminal velocity.Based on wing loading,release heights were determined for accurate measurement of terminal velocity of diff erent seeds.This method,due to its inexpensive equipment,high accuracy,easy observation and operation,can be applied to measure the terminal velocity of wind dispersed seeds,and provides a promising method in exploring the dispersal process of seeds.