Publication date: May 2014
Source:Building and Environment, Volume 75
Author(s): Aly Mousaad Aly
This paper summarizes the state-of-the-art techniques used to simulate hurricane winds in atmospheric boundary-layer (ABL) for wind engineering testing. The wind tunnel simulation concept is presented along with its potential applications, advantages and challenges. ABL simulation at open-jet simulators is presented along with an application example followed by a discussion on the advantages and challenges of testing at these facilities. Some of the challenges and advantages of using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are presented with an application example. The paper show that the way the wind can be simulated is complex and matching one parameter at full-scale may lead to a mismatch of other parameters. For instance, while large-scale testing is expected to improve Reynolds number and hence approach the full-scale scenario, it is challenging to generate large-scale turbulence in an artificially created wind. New testing protocols for low-rise structures and small-size architectural features are presented as an answer to challenging questions associated with both wind tunnel and open-jet testing. Results show that it is the testing protocol that can be adapted to enhance the prediction of full-scale physics in nature. Thinking out of the box and accepting non-traditional ABL is necessary to compensate for Reynolds effects and to allow for convenient experimentation. New research directions with focus on wind, rain and waves as well as other types of non-synoptic winds are needed, in addition to a more focus on the flow physics in the lower part of the ABL, where the major part of the infrastructure exists.
Source:Building and Environment, Volume 75
Author(s): Aly Mousaad Aly