Numerical simulations of wind effects on flexible civil engineering structures

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Abstract
In this paper, we present the global set of elements required for the numerical simulation of wind effects on elementary bridge profiles, particularly possible aeroelastic instabilities. We also propose a possible methodology which is based on an efficient coupling algorithm, a finite-element solver for three-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes equations in a moving domain and a structural solver. The fluid solver is detailed, the emphasis being put on the ALE formulation. Numerical and experimental results are compared for cases with a structural rigid motion. On a rectangle, numerical simulations for forced oscillation (heaving or rotation) are qualitatively correct, rather inaccurate, but in good agreements with free oscillation numerical simulations though. On an H-shaped section close to the Tacoma Narrows bridge profile, numerical results are both qualitatively and quantitatively very satisfactory and promising.