Multivariate stationary non-Gaussian process simulation for wind pressure fields

Stochastic simulation is an important means of acquiring fluctuating wind pressures for wind induced response analyses in structural engineering. The wind pressure acting on a large-span space structure can be characterized as a stationary non-Gaussian field. This paper reviews several simulation algorithms related to the Spectral Representation Method （SRM） and the Static Transformation Method （STM）. Polynomial and Exponential transformation functions （PSTM and ESTM） are discussed. Deficiencies in current algorithms, with respect to accuracy, stability and efficiency, are analyzed, and the algorithms are improved for better practical application. In order to verify the improved algorithm, wind pressure fields on a large-span roof are simulated and compared with wind tunnel data. The simulation results fit well with the wind tunnel data, and the algorithm accuracy, stability and efficiency are shown to be better than those of current algorithms.

Wind Pressures on Structures by Proper Orthogonal Decomposition

Proper orthogonal decomposition （POD） is an effective statistical technique for data reduction and feature extraction of the random field including the wind field. This paper introduces the theory of the POD and illustrates engineering of structures. Using the POD technique, it is shown that wind pressure data can be accurately reconstructed with a limited number of modes using the wind pressure data from wind tunnel test. Comparing the reconstructed values by POD with the original measured values from the wind tunnel test both in the time and frequency domains, it is concluded that the proper orthogonal decomposition（POD） is an efficient and practical technique for deriving the random wind pressure field from limited known data as shown in the pitched roof example in this paper.

ADJUSTMENT OF WIND AND PRESSURE FIELDS IN THE BOUNDARY LAYER

The vertical transport of mass at the top of the boundary layer is considered as a link between the boundary layer and free atmosphere.The adjustment of the wind and pressure fields in the boundary layer is studied under the consideration of the interaction between the boundary layer and free atmosphere.The vertical motion at the top of the boundary layer is evaluated.The results show that the distinguished differ- ences of the present results from classical Ekman layer do exist and they are discussed in the paper.

Streamwise Vorticity Equation

A streamwise vorticity equation is derived in generalized natural coordinates. This equation reveals that the total change and local change of the streamwise vorticity are mainly determined by the curvature of streamline, unsteady feature of streamline and magnitude of velocity. This equation enables the study of mesoscale or small-scale systems since the term associated with pressure gradient force in the original vorticity equation is replaced by terms associated with streamlines and wind speed. With this modification the wind field rather than the pressure field is used in the calculation considering that 1) the pressure field is to adapt wind field. 2) Smoother and more consecutive streamline pattern is easier to obtain either by data analysis or by the numerical simulation. From this sense, this present study suggests the application of this equation to studying the evolution of severe storm system as well as other simplified cases. Key words Wind field instead of pressure field - Generalized natural coordinate - Streamwise vorticity This work was supported by the project on the study of the formative mechanism and predictive theory of the significant climate and weather disaster in China under Grant G 1998040907 and by the key project on the Dynamic Study of Severe Mesoscale Covective Systems sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No. 49735180.