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Design,
fabrication, and implementation of a closed return subsonic
wind tunnel for use in special studies. The new wind tunnel
will be used for the development and application of Particle
Image Velocimetry (PIV) and flow visualization studies to bridge
aerodynamics and other bluff body aerodynamics studies. In addition,
it will be used for demonstrations of wind problems and solutions.
Ongoing project.
Experimental
parametric study of tapered cylinders of varying cross sectional
shape, in incompressible laminar flow. Study of aerodynamic
forces and moments and their frequency response. Determination
of optimum shapes and dynamic response to wind excitation. Ongoing
project.
Aerodynamic
investigation of representative generic bridge section shapes.
The spectrum of shapes studied covers a large number of the
geometrical layouts in service today. The purpose of the study
is to determine the static and dynamic aerodynamic characteristics
of these basic shapes in order to support design and development
process by introducing aerodynamic information early in the
design process. Ongoing project.
Aerodynamic
investigation of modeled bridge section shapes. The purpose
of the study is to determine the static and dynamic aerodynamic
characteristics of these modeled bridge shapes. Models were
designed and constructed with great geometrical fidelity with
the intention of modeling the flow interaction in the most accurate
way possible. Three models are currently under study. Ongoing
project.
Application
of particle image velocimetry to the study of flow around bridge
deck models and other types of bluff bodies. P.I.V. flow analysis
yields detailed flow information including velocity and pressure
distributions, vorticity fields and calculated body forces.
Several experiments have been designed. These include various
generic bridge model shapes to be studied at low Reynolds numbers
and varying angles of attack.