Numerical Simulation for Prediction of Wind Loads on Building Surfaces

The reliability of the numerical K ε model for determining wind pressure on building surfaces is evaluated. The solution algorithm is based on a body fitted non orthogonal curvilinear coordinate system and a staggered grid arrangement. The covariant velocity components are chosen as dependent variables. Convective fluxes are described by the Power Law Scheme. The grids are generated with an elliptic grid generator using control functions. The results compare favorably with those by Oxford wind tunnel measurements.

Grouping response method for equivalent static wind loads based on a modified LRC method

Wind loading is one of the most important loads for controlling the design of large-span roof structures. Equivalent static wind loads, which can generally aim at determining a specific response, are widely used by structural designers. A method for equivalent static wind loads applicable to multi-responses is proposed in this paper. A modified load- response-correlation （LRC） method corresponding to a particular peak response is presented, and the similarity algorithm implemented for the group response is described. The main idea of the algorithm is that two responses can be put into one group if the value of one response is close to that of the other response, when the structure is subjected to equivalent static wind loads aiming at the other response. Based on the modified LRC, the grouping response method is put forward to construct equivalent static wind loading. This technique can simultaneously reproduce peak responses for some grouped responses. To verify its computational accuracy, the method is applied to an actual large-span roof structure. Calculation results show that when the similarity of responses in the same group is high, equivalent static wind loads with high accuracy and reasonable magnitude of equivalent static wind distribution can be achieved.

Study on semi-active control of mega-sub controlled structure by MR damper subject to random wind loads

The recently proposed mega-sub controlled structure （MSCS）, a new type of structure associated with the design and construction of super-tall buildings, has attracted the attention of designers for use in enhancing the control effectiveness in mega-frame buildings. In this paper, a dynamic equation and method to assemble parameter matrixes for a mega-sub controlled structure under random wind loads is presented. Semi-active control using magnetorheological dampers for the MSCS under random wind loads is investigated, and is compared with a corresponding system without dampers. A parametric study of the relative stiffness ratio and relative mass ratio between the mega-frame and the substructures, as well as the additional column stiffness ratio that influences the response control effectiveness of the MSCS, is discussed. The studies reveal, for the first time, that different control mechanisms exist. The results indicate that the proposed structure employing semi-active control can offer an effective control mechanism. Guidelines for selecting parameters are provided based on the analytical study.

Application of artificial neural networks in optimal tuning of tuned mass dampers implemented in high-rise buildings subjected to wind load

High-rise buildings are usually considered as flexible structures with low inherent damping. Therefore, these kinds of buildings are susceptible to wind-induced vibration. Tuned Mass Damper（TMD） can be used as an effective device to mitigate excessive vibrations. In this study, Artificial Neural Networks is used to find optimal mechanical properties of TMD for high-rise buildings subjected to wind load. The patterns obtained from structural analysis of different multi degree of freedom（MDF） systems are used for training neural networks. In order to obtain these patterns, structural models of some systems with 10 to 80 degrees-of-freedoms are built in MATLAB/SIMULINK program. Finally, the optimal properties of TMD are determined based on the objective of maximum displacement response reduction. The Auto-Regressive model is used to simulate the wind load. In this way, the uncertainties related to wind loading can be taken into account in neural network’s outputs. After training the neural network, it becomes possible to set the frequency and TMD mass ratio as inputs and get the optimal TMD frequency and damping ratio as outputs. As a case study, a benchmark 76-story office building is considered and the presented procedure is used to obtain optimal characteristics of the TMD for the building.

Measurements of Wind Loads on Side-by-Side Semi-Submersibles in A Wind Tunnel

The multi-body system has been a popular form for offshore operations in terms of high efficiency.The wind effects are crucial which directly affect the relative positions of floating bodies and operating security.In this study,the aerodynamic characteristics for two coupled semi-submersibles were analyzed in a wind tunnel to fill the gaps in literature related to the wind sheltering on offshore platforms.The influences of separation distance were also investigated.According to the results,substantial shielding effects were observed and wind forces on the shielded vessel decreased dramatically:a reduction in the transverse force could be up to 74%.Moreover,the longitudinal wind load was amplified by the platform abreast in a side-by-side configuration.As expected,the interference level became more pronounced with a decreasing separation distance.For cases in which wind interaction decayed rapidly with distance,logarithmic functions were preferable for describing the relationship between them.Whereas linear fitting was reasonable for the transverse wind force when there was still evident sheltering at a quite large distance.The length of shielding area was another important factor that there was approximately a linear relationship between it and the shielding level for two platforms in close proximity at various wind attack angles.Based on the two parameters,a preliminary wind loads estimation method considering shielding effects was proposed.This approach can aid the industry to have a qualitative assessment of wind sheltering especially at early stages.

Study on longitudinal wind load calculation method of cables for cable-stayed bridge

Along with the expanding of span of cable-stayed bridge,wind load becomes a more and more important controlling factor for bridge the design.A very large proportion of the wind load acting on cables has exceeded that acting on deck.There was not any detailed prescript in Chinese code for calculation of longitudinal wind load on cables due to lack of theoretical research and experiment,and conservative simplified calculation was adopted during design,which leads to conservative and uneconomical design of structures.To resolve this problem,cable force experiment was carried out during the design of Sutong Bridge.By comparing with international research results,the calculation formula of longitudinal wind drag coefficient for cables was advanced to fill the blank of bridge wind resistant code of China,and has already been adopted in the Highway Bridge Wind Resistant Design Code(JTG/T D60-01-2004)with great significance for bridge engineering.

Effects of sudden change in wind loads on running performance of trains on a highway-railway one-story bridge in crosswinds

To investigate the effects of sudden change in wind loads on the running performance of trains on the bridge in crosswinds,a highway-railway one-story bridge was taken as the research object.Aerodynamic coefficients of the train and the bridge were measured in a series of train-bridge system segment models through wind tunnel tests when two trains passed each other on the bridge and when a train entered and left the wind barrier section of the bridge.Based on the improved SIMPACK and ANSYS rigid-flexible coupling simulation method,a wind-double train-track-bridge system coupled vibration model was established.The dynamic responses of the train were analyzed under the effects of sudden change in wind loads caused by two trains passing each other and a train entering and leaving the wind barrier section of the bridge.The results show that the effects of sudden wind load change caused by the trains passing each other had less effects on the running safety of the leeward-side train than the wind shielding effect caused by the windward-side train in the wind speed range of 10−25 m/s.With the decrease in the porosity of wind barriers,the effects of the sudden wind load change played an increasingly important role in the running safety and comfort of the train.With the increase in wind speed,the lateral response of the train increased obviously because of the effects of sudden wind load change,which affects both the lateral running stability and the comfort of the train.

Determination method of load balance ranges for train operation safety under strong wind

The aerodynamic performances of a passenger car and a box car with different heights of windbreak walls under strong wind were studied using the numerical simulations, and the changes of aerodynamic side force, lift force and overturning moment with different wind speeds and wall heights were calculated. According to the principle of static moment balance of vehicles, the overturning coefficients of trains with different wind speeds and wall heights were obtained. Based on the influence of wind speed and wall height on the aerodynamic performance and the overturning stability of trains, a method of determination of the load balance ranges for the train operation safety was proposed, which made the overturning coefficient have nearly closed interval. A min(|A1|+|A2|), s.t. |A1|→|A2|(A1 refers to the downwind overturning coefficient and A2 refers to the upwind overturning coefficient)was found. This minimum value helps to lower the wall height as much as possible, and meanwhile, guarantees the operation safety of various types of trains under strong wind. This method has been used for the construction and improvement of the windbreak walls along the Lanzhou–Xinjiang railway(from Lanzhou to Urumqi, China).

Minimum Load-curtailment in Transmission Network Planning Considering Integrated Wind Farms

提出应用鲁棒线性优化理论来研究电网规划中含多个风电场的最小切负荷量计算问题,为含多个风电场的系统安全性研究提供了一条新的思路。根据Seng-Cheol Kang提出的鲁棒线性优化理论,建立电网规划中考虑风电场影响的最小切负荷量模型。该模型以出力上下限和出力期望值来描述风电场的出力,最终转化为一确定性的线性规划问题并进行求解。在计及或不计及发电机调整的情况下,该模型均能够给出最安全的切负荷方案,除此以外还能给出更多介于最可靠与最经济之间的切负荷方案,实现灵活决策;在计及发电机出力可调的情况下,该模型能够给出相应的发电机出力方案;该模型能够初步给出各种切负荷方案下电网规划方案的可靠程度。基于修正的Garver’s 6节点系统和修正的巴西南部46节点系统算例测试结果验证了该方法的有效性。

Load Distribution Research on Pitch Bearing of Wind Turbine Generators

变桨轴承是风电机组传动与控制系统的关键部件，安装形式特殊且承受复杂的轴向、径向力和倾覆力矩等交变载荷。文中基于经典的赫兹弹性接触理论，建立了刚性套圈承受多向力和倾覆力矩的双排四点接触球变桨轴承的力学模型。在此基础上，应用弹性等理论研究套圈变形对轴承载荷分布的影响，推导轴承外载荷和滚动体接触力等载荷作用下转盘轴承内、外套圈的弯曲变形方程，联立非线性超越方程组给出了四点接触球转盘轴承分布载荷的求解方法。以某型号变桨轴承为例，分别采用刚性和柔性套圈2种模型对轴承载荷分布进行了计算和对比分析。结果表明2种模型下轴承载荷分布有显著区别，柔性套圈模型下的承载区间减小，载荷分布更加均匀，滚动体的承载能力有很大的提升。相关力学问题的研究可为变桨轴承结构设计提供必要的理论依据。

On Advanced Control Methods toward Power Capture and Load Mitigation in Wind Turbines

This article provides a survey of recently emerged methods for wind turbine control. Multivariate control approaches to the optimization of power capture and the reduction of loads in components under time-varying turbulent wind fields have been under extensive investigation in recent years. We divide the related research activities into three categories： modeling and dynamics of wind turbines, active control of wind turbines, and passive control of wind turbines. Regarding turbine dynamics, we discuss the physical fundamentals and present the aeroelastic analysis tools. Regarding active control, we review pitch control, torque control, and yaw control strategies encompassing mathematical formulations as well as their applications toward different objectives. Our survey mostly focuses on blade pitch control, which is considered one of the key elements in facilitating load reduction while maintaining power capture performance. Regarding passive control, we review techniques such as tuned mass dampers, smart rotors, and microtabs. Possible future directions are suggested.

A computational platform for considering the effects of aerodynamic and seismic load combination for utility scale horizontal axis wind turbines

The wide deployment of wind turbines in locations with high seismic hazard has led engineers to take into account a more comprehensive seismic design of such structures. Turbine specific guidelines usually use simplified methods and consider many assumptions to combine seismic demand with the other operational loads effecting the design of these structures. As the turbines increase in size and capacity, the interaction between seismic loads and aerodynamic loads becomes even more important. In response to the need for a computational tool that can perform coupled simulations of wind and seismic loads, a seismic module is developed for the FAST code and described in this research. This platform allows engineers working in this industry to directly consider interaction between seismic and other environmental loads for turbines. This paper details the practical application and theory of this platform and provides examples for the use of different capabilities. The platform is then used to show the suitable earthquake and operational load combination with the implicit consideration of aerodynamic damping by estimating appropriate load factors.

Discussion on Key Points of Wind Load of Jack-up Unit

The anti-overturning ability and structure safety of jack-up unit in in-place condition are often affected by environment loads, especially wind load. According to the MODU rule, the projected area method is used for calculating the wind load. However, the calculated results are conservative and not good for structure optimization design. In this paper, a 400 ft jack-up is studied as an example. Based on the wind tunnel test and numerical simulation method, some key points of wind load calculation, such as shielding effect, lift effect and shape coefficient of component, are discussed. The study shows that the points mentioned above, which are ignored in the MODU rule calculation, result in the conservative result.

Fracture Analysis for Torsion Problems of a Gravity Platform Column with Cracks Under Wind Load

Ocean platforms are subjected to a variety of environment loads, such as those from winds, waves, currents, etc. In this study, the torsion problems of a gravity platform column with cracks under wind load were investigated. The colmnn was assumed to be a composite cylinder. Therefore the torsion fracture problem of a composite cylinder was considered, and new boundary integral equations for the Saint-Venant torsion problem of a composite cylinder with curvilinear cracks were derived. The problem was re- duced to solving the boundary integral equations on every boundary. By using the new boundary element method, the torsion prob- lem of the gravity platform colunm with a straight crack under various wind loads was calculated. The obtained results were com- pared with those obtained for a torsion problem of the same column without cracks to prove the applicability of the present method. The comparison showed that the detrimental effect of cracks in a column should be considered in marine engineering.

Characteristic Aerodynamic Loads and Load Effects on the Dynamics of a Floating Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

The development of offshore wind farms in deep water favors floating wind turbine designs, but floating horizontal axis wind turbines are facing the challenge of high cost of energy (CoE). The development of innovative designs to reduce the CoE is thus desirable, such as floating vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs). This study demonstrates the characteristics of aerodynamic loads and load effects of a two-bladed floating VAWT supported by a semi-submersible platform. Fully coupled simulations are performed using the time-domain aero-hydro-servo-elastic code SIMO-RIFLEX-AC. It is found that thrust, lateral force, and aerodynamic torque vary considerably and periodically with the rotor azimuth angle. However, the variation in the generator torque can be alleviated to some extent by the control strategy applied. Moreover, the variations of platform motions and tensions in the mooring lines are strongly influenced by turbulent winds, whereas those of tower-base bending moments are not. The tower-base bending moments exhibit notable two-per-revolution (2P) response characteristics. © 2017 Tianjin University and Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany

Non-stationary Buffeting Response Analysis of Long Span Suspension Bridge Under Strong Wind Loading

The non-stationary buffeting response of long span suspension bridge in time domain under strong wind loading is computed. Modeling method for generating non-stationary fluctuating winds with probabilistic model for non-stationary strong wind fields is first presented. Non-stationary wind forces induced by strong winds on bridge deck and tower are then given a brief introduction. Finally,Non-stationary buffeting response of Pulite Bridge in China,a long span suspension bridge,is computed by using ANSYS software under four working conditions with different combination of time-varying mean wind and time-varying variance. The case study further confirms that it is necessity of considering non-stationary buffeting response for long span suspension bridge under strong wind loading,rather than only stationary buffeting response.

A Review of the Calculation Methods of Lifting Capacity in Wind Loads on Ocean Platforms

Wind load is a control load that affects the safety of structures in the design of ocean platforms. It has not only direct and powerful effects that may cause structure resonance but also has indirect effects causing waves or currents in the ocean. By analyzing the domestic and international norms, this study presents a review of calculation methods of wind load on ocean platforms, which belongs to large-scale non-entity structure used in the open sea while surrounding wind has no fixed direction. Current computations according to the norms are not accurate, which even not takes the force of the wind against the surface perpendicular to the structure into consideration. Additionally, this study also introduces and compares the lift model of platforms based on different theories, such as vortex-excitation and vibration, engineering structure dynamics, gas flow pressure theory, analyzing their applicability, advantages, and disadvantages. This paper analyzes the limitations and applicable conditions of the existing calculation method itself, such as the lift model is suitable for the existence of stable vortex wake;the calculation method of the structural dynamics of marine engineering must be combined with the wind tunnel test and consider the mistakes caused by the position relationship;the numerical simulation method is accurate but tedious. This study provides an insight into the calculation methods of lift in designing ocean platforms, including the finite element method for simulating fluid force and updating formulas in Chinese norms.

General Expression of LRC Method in Estimation of Bridge’s Equivalent Static Wind Load

According to the relationship between load and response, the equivalent static wind load(ESWL) of a structure can be estimated by load-response correlation(LRC) method, which can be accurately used to estimate the background ESWL of a structure. The derivation of the classical expression of LRC formula is based on a specific command response at a critical position, and the ESWL distribution has only one form in this case. In this paper, a general expression of LRC formula is derived based on a specific command response at all positions. For the general expression, ESWLs can be expressed by load-response correlation coefficients, response-response correlation coefficients, RMS values of the fluctuating wind loads, and peak factor in the form of matrices. By comparing the expressions of LRC method, it was found that the classical expression was only one form of the general one. The general expression which introduces the response-response correlation coefficients provided more options for structural engineers to estimate ESWLs and offered further insights into the LRC method. Finally, a cable-stayed bridge, a rigid three span continuous girder bridge, and a suspension bridge were used to verify the correctness of the general expression of LRC method.

Collapse and Reinforcement of Pipe-Framed Greenhouse under Static Wind Loading

The present paper investigates the collapse process of a pipe-framed greenhouse under static wind loading based on a non-linear finite element analysis.The purpose is to establish a more reasonable wind resistant design method for such structures.The structures are so flexible that the fluid-structure interaction(FSI)is considered in the analysis.In practice,iterative analyses of the structure’s response and the wind pressure distribution on the deformed structure are made.The wind direction is normal to the ridge.Computational fluid dynamics(CFD)analysis with a RANS turbulence model is used for evaluating the time-averaged wind pressure coefficient distribution on the structure.Both the geometric and the material non-linearity are considered in the structural analysis.The collapse behavior obtained is consistent with the practical one often observed in damage investigations.Based on the results,discussion is made of the validity of the current design guideline commonly used in Japan.The same analysis is carried out for various reinforced models.The effect of each reinforcement method on the improvement of wind resistance of the structure is investigated on the basis of the allowable stress and deformation limits specified in the current design guideline.

Probabilistic Load Flow Considering Correlation between Generation, Loads and Wind Power

In this paper a procedure is established for solving the Probabilistic Load Flow in an electrical power network, considering correlation between power generated by power plants, loads demanded on each bus and power injected by wind farms. The method proposed is based on the generation of correlated series of power values, which can be used in a MonteCarlo simulation, to obtain the probability density function of the power through branches of an electrical network.