SURFACE OIL FLOW TECHNIQUE AND LIQUID CRYSTAL THERMOGRAPHY FOR FLOW VISUALIZATION IN IMPULSE WIND TUNNELS

This paper describes flow visualization techniques employing surface oil flow and liquid crystal thermography suitable for use in impulse wind tunnels.High spatial resolution photographs of oil flow patterns and liquid crystal thermograms have been obtained within test times ranging from 7 to 500 ms and have been shown to be very useful for revealing the detailed features of 3-D separated flow.The results from oil flow patterns,liquid crystal thermograms,schlieren photographs and heat flux measurements are shown to be in good agreement.

Recent Developments of Image Based Measurement Methods for Application to Transonic Flows in Industrial Wind Tunnels

The experimental investigation of unsteady complex flow fields in wind tunnels requires advanced measurement techniques. The most important of such image based measurement techniques are those for the measurement of planar flow velocity fields, planar pressure distribution, model location and deformation, model temperature and quantitative high speed flow visualization. The applications as carried out by DLR range from low speed flows to transonic flows, from high lift configurations to propellers and rotors, from wake vortex investigations in catapult facilities and water towing tanks to investigations of vortex break down phenomena on delta wings. The capability to use image based measurement techniques in transonic flows requires dedicated technical developments and experienced scientists due to the special environment of a transonic wind tunnel. In this paper an overview of the state-of-the art of the application of image based measurement techniques in transonic flows as performed by DLR＇s Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology will be given.

Analysis and Calibration of Internal Flow Force of EjectorPowered Engine Simulator System in Wind Tunnels

The ejector-powered engine simulator(EPES)system is an important piece of equipment in conducting an influence test of the intake and jet flow in low-speed wind tunnels.In this work,through the analysis of the structure and principle of EPES,three parts of the internal flow force were obtained,namely,the additional resistance before the inlet,the internal flow force in the inlet and the thrust produced by the ejector.On the assumption of one-dimensional isentropic adiabatic flow,the theoretical formulae for calculating the forces were derived according to the measured total pressure,static pressure and total temperature of the internal flow section.Subsequently,a calibration tank was used to calibrate the EPES system.On the basis of the characteristics of the EPES system,the process and method of its calibration were designed in detail,and the model installation interface of the calibration tank was reformed.By applying this method,the repeatability accuracy of the inlet flow rate calibration coefficient was less than0.05%,whereas that of the exhaust flow rate and velocity was less than 0.1%.Upon the application of the calibration coefficients to the correction of the wind tunnel experiment data,the results showed good agreement with the numerical simulation results in terms of regularity and magnitude before stall,which validates the reasonableness and feasibility of the calibration method.Analysis of the calibration data also demonstrated the consistency in the variation law and trend between the theoretical calculation and actual measurement of internal flow force,further reflecting the rationality and feasibility of the theoretical calculation.Nevertheless,the numerical difference was large and further widened with a higher ejection flow rate mainly because of the accuracy of flow measurement and the inhomogeneity of internal flow.The thrust deflection angle of EPES is an important factor in correcting this issue.In particular,the thrust deflection angle becomes larger with small ejection flow and becomes smaller with an increase in flow rate,essentially exhibiting a general change of less than 10°.

High-precision pose measurement method in wind tunnels based on laser-aided vision technology

The measurement of position and attitude parameters for the isolated target from a highspeed aircraft is a great challenge in the field of wind tunnel simulation technology.In this paper,firstly, an image acquisition method for small high-speed targets with multi-dimensional movement in wind tunnel environment is proposed based on laser-aided vision technology.Combining with the trajectory simulation of the isolated model, the reasonably distributed laser stripes and selfluminous markers are utilized to capture clear images of the object.Then, after image processing,feature extraction, stereo correspondence and reconstruction, three-dimensional information of laser stripes and self-luminous markers are calculated.Besides, a pose solution method based on projected laser stripes and self-luminous markers is proposed.Finally, simulation experiments on measuring the position and attitude of high-speed rolling targets are conducted, as well as accuracy verification experiments.Experimental results indicate that the proposed method is feasible and efficient for measuring the pose parameters of rolling targets in wind tunnels.

Experimental Study of Aerodynamic Behavior in Wind Tunnels with Ornithopter and Plane Models

There are similarities between planes and birds. In fact aerodynamics bases are the same. In order to make some comparisons, this paper presents two series of experiments ： one in a wind tunnel with an omithopter model for measurements of aerodynamic forces with flapping wings. The wing movement has two degrees of freedom flapping around the longitudinal axis of the model and feathering around the wing axis. Measurements of aerodynamic forces： rift and drag in static case averaging values during many cycles of movement and in dynamic case have been performed. The other part of the paper concerns velocity and turbulence measurements on a metal plane wall jet in a wind tunnel with and without a rough surface, with and without acoustic vibrations in order to simulate a plane wing. Aerodynamic characteristics have been obtained in all cases.

Effects of wind speed,underlying surface,and seed morphological traits on the secondary seed dispersal in the Tengger Desert,China

The maintenance of sand-fixing vegetation is important for the stability of artificial sand-fixing systems in which seed dispersal plays a key role.Based on field wind tunnel experiments using 11 common plant species on the southeastern edge of the Tengger Desert,China,we studied the secondary seed dispersal in the fixed and semi-fixed sand dunes as well as in the mobile dunes in order to understand the limitations of vegetation regeneration and the maintenance of its stability.Our results indicated that there were significant variations among the selected 11 plant species in the threshold of wind speed(TWS).The TWS of Caragana korshinskii was the highest among the 11 plant species,whereas that of Echinops gmelinii was the lowest.Seed morphological traits and underlying surface could generally explain the TWS.During the secondary seed dispersal processes,the proportions of seeds that did not disperse(no dispersal)and only dispersed over short distance(short-distance dispersal within the wind tunnel test section)were significantly higher than those of seeds that were buried(including lost seeds)and dispersed over long distance(long-distance dispersal beyond the wind tunnel test section).Compared with other habitats,the mobile dunes were the most difficult places for secondary seed dispersal.Buried seeds were the easiest to be found in the semi-fixed sand dunes,whereas fixed sand dunes were the best sites for seeds that dispersed over long distance.The results of linear mixed models showed that after controlling the dispersal distance,smaller and rounder seeds dispersed farther.Shape index and wind speed were the two significant influencing factors on the burial of seeds.The explanatory power of wind speed,underlying surface,and seed morphological traits on the seeds that did not disperse and dispersed over short distance was far greater than that on the seeds that were buried and dispersed over long distance,implying that the processes and mechanisms of burial and long-distance dispersal are more complex.In summary,most seeds in the study area either did not move,were buried,or dispersed over short distance,promoting local vegetation regeneration.

Protective benefits of HDPE board sand fences in an environment with variable wind directions on Gobi surfaces:wind tunnel study

The Golmud-Korla Railway in the Gobi area faces operational challenges due to sand hazards,caused by strong and variable winds.This study addresses these challenges by conducting wind tunnel tests to evaluate the protective benefits of High Density Polyethylene(HDPE)board sand fences,focusing on their orientation relative to various wind directions(referred to as'wind angle').This study found that the size of the low-velocity zone on the leeward side of the sand fences(LSF)expanded with an increase in the wind angle(WA).At 1H(the height of the sand fence)and 2H positions on the LSF,the wind speed profiles(WSP)exhibited a segmented logarithmic growth,constrained by Z=H at varying WAs.The efficacy of the sand fence in obstructing airflow escalated as WA increased.The size of the WA has a significant impact on the protective efficiency of HDPE board sand fences.Furthermore,compared to typical sandy surfaces,the rate of sand transport across the Gobi surface diminishes more slowly with height,attributed to the gravel's rebound effect.This phenomenon allows some sand particles to bypass the fences,rendering them less effective at blocking wind and trapping sand than in sandy environments.This paper offers scientific evidence supporting the practical use and enhancement of HDPE board sand fences in varied wind conditions.

Investigation on Temperature Field Calibration and Analysis of Wind Tunnel

For wind tunnels,it is essential to conduct temperature and flow field calibration on their test section,which is an important indicator for evaluating the quality of wind tunnel flow fields.In the paper,a truss composed of temperature sensors was used to calibrate the temperature field of a completed wind tunnel section.By adjusting the distance between the temperature measurement truss and the nozzle,as well as the wind speed,the temperature field distribution data at different positions could be obtained.Analyze these data to identify important factors that affect the distribution of temperature field.Simultaneously,the temperature field of the wind tunnel was simulated accordingly.The purpose is to further analyze the fluid heat transfer between air and wind tunnel walls through numerical simulation.Through the above analysis methods,the quality of the temperature field in the wind tunnel has been further verified,providing reference for future wind tunnel tests of relevant models.

Review of aerodynamics of high-speed train-bridge system in crosswinds

Serviceability and running safety of the high-speed train on/through a bridge are of major concern in China. Due to the uncertainty chain of the train dynamic analysis in crosswinds originating mainly from the aerodynamic assessment, this paper primarily reviews five meaningful progresses on the aerodynamics of the train-bridge system done by Wind Tunnel Laboratory of Central South University in the past several years. Firstly, the flow around the train and the uncertainty origin of the aerodynamic assessment are described from the fluid mechanism point of view. After a brief introduction of the current aerodynamic assessment methods with their strengths and weaknesses, a new-developed TRAIN-INFRASTRUCTURE rig with the maximum launch speed of 35 m/s is introduced. Then, several benchmark studies are presented, including the statistic results of the characterized geometry parameters of the currently utilized bridge-decks, the aerodynamics of the train, and the aerodynamics of the flat box/truss bridge-decks. Upon compared with the foregoing mentioned benchmarks, this paper highlights the aerodynamic interference of the train-bridge system associated with its physical natures. Finally, a porosity-and orientation-adjustable novel wind barrier with its effects on the aerodynamics of the train-bridge system is discussed.

Design and Wind Tunnel Study of a Top-mounted Diverterless Inlet

Combined with a UAV of the shape like Global Hawk, a new inlet is advanced to obtain high performance in both Radar Cross Section(RCS) and aerodynamic drag. Efforts are made to achieve this goal such as adopting a top-mounted inlet configuration, utilizing the diverterless technique and putting forward a new shape of entrance. A design method is brought forward and verified by wind tunnel tests. Results indicate: (1) Despite the negative effect of the front fuselage and the absence of the conventional boundary diverter, the performance of the top-mounted diverterless inlet advanced here(Ma:0.50-0.70, α:-4°-6°,σ>0.975) is equivalent to that of conventional S shaped inlet with diverter; (2) The integration of the inlet with the fuselage is realized by the utilization of a special inlet section and the diverterless technique, which disposes the whole inlet in the shield of the head of UAV, improving the drag characteristics and the stealthy performance of the aircraft; (3) The bump which is equal to the local boundary layer thickness in height can divert the boundary layer effectively. As a result, no obvious low total pressure zone is found at the outlet of the inlet; (4) According to the experimental results, negative angle of attack is favorable to the total pressure recovery and positive angle of attack is favorable to the total pressure distortion, while yaw brings bad effects on both; (5) The design of cowl lip is of great importance to the inlet performance at yaw, therefore, further improvement of the inlet performance will rely on the lip shapes of the cowl chosen.

Parameter optimization for improved aerodynamic performance of louver-type wind barrier for train-bridge system

To improve the safety of trains running in an undesirable wind environment,a novel louver-type wind barrier is proposed and further studied in this research using a scaled wind tunnel simulation with 1:40 scale models.Based on the aerodynamic performance of the train-bridge system,the parameters of the louver-type wind barrier are optimized.Compared to the case without a wind barrier,it is apparent that the wind barrier improves the running safety of trains,since the maximum reduction of the moment coefficient of the train reaches 58%using the louver-type wind barrier,larger than that achieved with conventional wind barriers(fence-type and grid-type).A louver-type wind barrier has more blade layers,and the rotation angle of the adjustable blade of the louver-type wind barrier is 90–180°(which induces the flow towards the deck surface),which is more favorable for the aerodynamic performance of the train.Comparing the 60°,90°and 120°wind fairings of the louver-type wind barrier blade,the blunt fairing is disadvantageous to the operational safety of the train.

A wind tunnel simulation of the dynamic processes involved in sand dune formation on the western coast of Hainan Island

The western coast of Hainan Island exhibits a savanna landscape. Many types of sand dunes, including transverse dune ridges, longitudinal dune ridges, elliptical dunes, coppice dunes, and climbing dunes, are widely distributed in the coastal zone. In winter, high-frequency and high-energy NE winds （dominant winds） are prevalent, with a resultant drift direction （RDD） of S35.6°W. In spring, low-frequency and low-energy SW secondary winds prevail, with a RDD of N25.1°E. Wind tunnel simulations revealed that the airflow over the dune surface is the main factor controlling the erosion and deposition patterns of dune surfaces and the morphological development of dunes. In the region＇s bidirectional wind environment, with two seasonally distinct energy levels, the airflow over the surface of elliptical dunes, barchan dunes, and transverse dune ridges will exhibit a transverse pattern, whereas the airflow over longitudinal dunes ridges exhibits a lateral pattern and that over climbing dunes exhibits a climbing-circumfluent pattern. These patterns represent different dynamic processes. The coastal dunes on the western coast of Hainan Island are influenced by factors such as onshore winds, sand sources, coastal slopes, rivers, and forest shelter belts. The source of the sand that supplements these dunes particularly influences the development pattern： when there is more sand, the pattern shows positive equilibrium deposition between dune ridges and dunes; otherwise, it shows negative equilibrium deposition. The presence or absence of forest shelter belts also influences deposition and dune development patterns and transformation of dune forms. Coastal dunes and inland desert dunes experience similar dynamic processes, but the former have more diversified shapes and more complex formation mechanisms.

Wind tunnel experiments on dust emissions from different landform types

The measurement and assessment of dust emissions from different landforms are important to understand the atmospheric loading of PM10 （particulate matter ≤10 μm aerodynamic diameter） and to assess natural sources of dust; however, the methodology and technique for determining the dust still present significant research challenges. In the past, specialized field observation and field wind tunnel studies have been used to understand the dust emission. A series of wind tunnel tests were carried out to identify natural sources of dust and measure the magnitudes of dust emissions from different landforms. The method used in this study allowed the measurement of the PM10 emission rate using a laboratory based environmental boundary layer wind tunnel. Results indicated that PM10 emissions demonstrated strong temporal variation and were primarily driven by aerodynamic entrainment. Sand dunes, playa, and alluvial fans had the largest dust emission rates （0.8-5.4 mg/（me.s）） while sandy gravel, Gobi desert and abandoned lands had the lowest emission rates （0.003-0.126 mg/（m2.s））. Dust emissions were heavily dependent on the surface conditions, especially the availability of loose surface dust. High dust emissions were a result of the availability of dust- particle materials for entrainment while low dust emissions were a result of surface crusts and gravel cover. Soil surface property （surface crusts and gravel cover） plays an important role in controlling the availability of dust-sized particles for entrainment. The dust emission rate depended not only on the surface conditions but also on the friction velocity. The emission rate of PM10 varies as a power function of the friction velocity. Although dynamic abrasion processes have a strong influence on the amount of dust entrainment, aerodynamic entrainment may provide an important mechanism for dust emissions. Large volumes of dust entrained by aerodynamic entrainment cannot only occur at low shear velocity without saltation, but may dominate the entrainment process in many arid and semi-arid environments. So it may also be responsible for large magnitude dust storms. Playa and alluvial fan landforms, prior to developing a surface crust, may be the main sources of dust storms in Qinghai Province.

Experimental study on mitigating wind erosion of calcareous desert sand using spray method for microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation

Wind erosion is one of the significant natural calamities worldwide, which degrades around one-third of global land. The eroded and suspended soil particles in the environment may cause health hazards, i.e.allergies and respiratory diseases, due to the presence of harmful contaminants, bacteria, and pollens.The present study evaluates the feasibility of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation(MICP)technique to mitigate wind-induced erosion of calcareous desert sand(Thar desert of Rajasthan province in India). The temperature during biotreatment was kept at 36℃ to stimulate the average temperature of the Thar desert. The spray method was used for bioaugmentation of Sporosarcina(S.) pasteurii and further treatment using chemical solutions. The chemical solution of 0.25 pore volume was sprayed continuously up to 5 d, 10 d, 15 d, and 20 d, using two different concentration ratios of urea and calcium chloride dihydrate viz 2:1 and 1:1. The biotreated samples were subjected to erosion testing(in the wind tunnel) at different wind speeds of 10 m/s, 20 m/s, and 30 m/s. The unconfined compressive strength of the biocemented crust was measured using a pocket penetrometer. The variation in calcite precipitation and microstructure(including the presence of crystalline minerals) of untreated as well as biotreated sand samples were determined through calcimeter, scanning electron microscope(SEM), and energydispersive X-ray spectroscope(EDX). The results demonstrated that the erosion of untreated sand increases with an increase in wind speeds. When compared to untreated sand, a lower erosion was observed in all biocemented sand samples, irrespective of treatment condition and wind speed. It was observed that the sample treated with 1:1 cementation solution for up to 5 d, was found to effectively resist erosion at a wind speed of 10 m/s. Moreover, a significant erosion resistance was ascertained in15 d and 20 d treated samples at higher wind speeds. The calcite content percentage, thickness of crust,bulk density, and surface strength of biocemented sand were enhanced with the increase in treatment duration. The 1:1 concentration ratio of cementation solution was found effective in improving crust thickness and surface strength as compared to 2:1 concentration ratio of cementation solution. The calcite crystals formation was observed in SEM analysis and calcium peaks were observed in EDX analysis for biotreated sand.

Effect of the W-beam central guardrails on wind-blown sand deposition on desert expressways in sandy regions

Many desert expressways are affected by the deposition of the wind-blown sand,which might block the movement of vehicles or cause accidents.W-beam central guardrails,which are used to improve the safety of desert expressways,are thought to influence the deposition of the wind-blown sand,but this has yet not to be studied adequately.To address this issue,we conducted a wind tunnel test to simulate and explore how the W-beam central guardrails affect the airflow,the wind-blown sand flux and the deposition of the wind-blown sand on desert expressways in sandy regions.The subgrade model is 3.5 cm high and 80.0 cm wide,with a bank slope ratio of 1:3.The W-beam central guardrails model is 3.7 cm high,which included a 1.4-cm-high W-beam and a 2.3-cm-high stand column.The wind velocity was measured by using pitot-static tubes placed at nine different heights(1,2,3,5,7,10,15,30 and 50 cm)above the floor of the chamber.The vertical distribution of the wind-blown sand flux in the wind tunnel was measured by using the sand sampler,which was sectioned into 20 intervals.In addition,we measured the wind-blown sand flux in the field at K50 of the Bachu-Shache desert expressway in the Taklimakan Desert on 11 May 2016,by using a customized 78-cm-high gradient sand sampler for the sand flux structure test.Obstruction by the subgrade leads to the formation of two weak wind zones located at the foot of the windward slope and at the leeward slope of the subgrade,and the wind velocity on the leeward side weakens significantly.The W-beam central guardrails decrease the leeward wind velocity,whereas the velocity increases through the bottom gaps and over the top of the W-beam central guardrails.The vertical distribution of the wind-blown sand flux measured by wind tunnel follows neither a power-law nor an exponential function when affected by either the subgrade or the W-beam central guardrails.At 0.0H and 0.5H(where H=3.5 cm,which is the height of the subgrade),the sand transport is less at the 3 cm height from the subgrade surface than at the 1 and 5 cm heights as a result of obstruction by the W-beam central guardrails,and the maximum sand transportation occurs at the 5 cm height affected by the subgrade surface.The average saltation height in the presence of the W-beam central guardrails is greater than the subgrade height.The field test shows that the sand deposits on the overtaking lane leeward of the W-beam central guardrails and that the thickness of the deposited sand is determined by the difference in the sand mass transported between the inlet and outlet points,which is consistent with the position of the minimum wind velocity in the wind tunnel test.The results of this study could help us to understand the hazards of the wind-blown sand onto subgrade with the W-beam central guardrails.

Effects of sand sedimentation and wind erosion around sand barrier:Numerical simulation and wind tunnel test studies

Based on numerical simulations,this study highlights the sedimentation and erosion problems around a sand barrier through the relationship between the shear stress of the surface around the sand barrier and the critical shear stress of sand grains.The numerical simulation results were verified using data measured by the wind tunnel test.The results showed that when the porosity was the same,the size and position of the vortex on the leeward side of the sand barrier were related to the inlet wind speed.As the wind speed increased,the vortex volume increased and the positions of the separation and reattachment points moved toward the leeward side.When the porosity of the sand barrier was 30%,the strength of the acceleration zone above the sand barrier was the highest,and the strength of the acceleration zone was negatively correlated with the porosity.Sand erosion and sedimentation distance were related to wind speed.With an increase in wind speed,the sand grain forward erosion or reverse erosion areas on the leeward side of the sand barrier gradually replaced the sedimentation area.With an increase in porosity,the sand sedimentation distance on the leeward side of the sand barrier gradually shortened,and the sand erosion area gradually disappeared.The sand sedimentation distance on the leeward side of the sand barrier with 30%porosity was the longest.The numerical simulation results were in good agreement with the wind tunnel test results.Based on the sand erosion and sedimentation results of the numerical simulation and wind tunnel test,when the porosity was 30%,the protection effect of the High Density Polyethylene(HDPE)board sand barrier was best.

Effects of different poses and wind speeds on flow field of dish solar concentrator based on virtual wind tunnel experiment with constant wind

In order to improve structure performance of the dish solar concentrator,a three-dimensional model of dish solar concentrator was established based on the high-precision numerical algorithms.And a virtual wind tunnel experiment with constant wind is adopted to investigate the pressure distribution of the reflective surface,velocity distribution of the fluid domain for the dish solar concentrator in different poses and wind speeds distribution.Some results about wind pressure distribution before and after dish solar concentrator surface and wind load velocity distribution in the entire fluid domain had been obtained.In particular,it is necessary to point out that the stiffness at the center of the dish solar concentrator should be relatively raised.The results can provide a theoretical basis for the improvement of solar concentrator dish structure as well as the failure analysis of dish solar concentrator in engineering practice.

An Investigation into the Effects of the Reynolds Number on High-Speed Trains Using a Low Temperature Wind Tunnel Test Facility

A series of tests have been conducted using a Cryogenic Wind Tunnel to study the effect of Reynolds number(Re)on the aerodynamic force and surface pressure experienced by a high speed train.The test Reynolds number has been varied from 1 million to 10 million,which is the highest Reynolds number a wind tunnel has ever achieved for a train test.According to our results,the drag coefficient of the leading car decreases with higher Reynolds number for yaw angles up to 30º.The drag force coefficient drops about 0.06 when Re is raised from 1 million to 10 million.The side force is caused by the high pressure at the windward side and the low pressure generated by the vortex at the lee side.Both pressure distributions are not appreciably affected by Reynolds number changes at yaw angles up to 30°.The lift force coefficient increases with higher Re,though the change is small.At a yaw angle of zero the down force coefficient is reduced by a scale factor of about 0.03 when the Reynolds number is raised over the considered range.At higher yaw angles the lift force coefficient is reduced about 0.1.Similar to the side force coefficient,the rolling moment coefficient does not change much with Re.The magnitude of the pitching moment coefficient increases with higher Re.This indicates that the load on the front bogie is higher at higher Reynolds numbers.The yawing moment coefficient increases with Re.This effect is more evident at higher yaw angles.The yawing moment coefficient increases by about 6%when Re is raised from 1 million to 10 million.The influence of Re on the rolling moment coefficient around the leeward rail is relatively smaller.It increases by about 2%over the considered range of Re.

Experiment about Drag Reduction of Bionic Non-smooth Surface in Low Speed Wind Tunnel

The body surface of some organisms has non-smooth structure, which is related to drag reduction in moving fluid. To imitate these structures, models with a non-smooth surface were made. In order to find a relationship between drag reduction and the non-smooth surface, an orthogonal design test was employed in a low speed wind tunnel. Six factors likely to influence drag reduction were considered, and each factor tested at three levels. The six factors were the configuration, diameter/bottom width, height/depth, distribution, the arrangement of the rough structures on the experimental model and the wind speed. It was shown that the non-smooth surface causes drag reduction and the distribution of non-smooth structures on the model, and wind speed, are the predominant factors affecting drag reduction. Using analysis of variance, the optimal combination and levels were obtained, which were a wind speed of 44 m/s, distribution of the non-smooth structure on the tail of the experimental model, the configuration of riblets, diameter/bottom width of i mm, height/depth of 0.5 mm, arranged in a rhombic formation. At the optimal combination mentioned above, the 99% confidence interval for drag reduction was 11.13% to 22.30%.

Research on wind-induced responses of a large-scale membrane structure

The wind-induced responses of a large-scale membrane structure, Expo Boulevard, are evaluated in this study. To obtain the wind pressure distribution on the roof surface, a wind tunnel test is performed. A brief analysis of wind pressure on the membrane roof is conducted first and then an analysis of the wind-induced responses of the structure is carried out using a numerical integral method in the time domain. In the process of calculation, the geometrical nonlinearity is taken into account. Results indicate that mean, RSM and peak values of the structure responses increase nonlinearly while the approaching flow velocity increases. Strong nonlinear characteristics are observed in the displacement responses, whereas the responses of nodal stress and cable axial force show minimal nonlinear properties when the membrane structure is subjected to wind loads. Different values of the damping ratio only have a minimal impact on the RSM response of the structure because the background component is a dominant part of the total dynamic response and the resonant component is too small. As the damping ratio increases from 0.02 to 0.05, the RMS responses of vertical displacement, nodal stress and cable axial force decrease by 8.1%, 6.7% and 17.9%, respectively. Since the mean component plays a significant role in the wind-induced response, the values of the gust response factor are not high for Expo Boulevard.