WIND TUNNEL TESTS ON THE AEROELASTIC BEHAVIORS OF TENSION STRUCTURES

Postcode (100044) ABSTRACT:Cable/membrane structures are characterized by their lightweight and flexibility, which makes them rather sensitive to wind. In some cases, the interaction of structure and wind may play an important role to the wind induced response, which can not be accounted by conventional analysis methods. To solve this problem, a simplified aeroelastic model, based on theoretical analysis and wind tunnel tests, was put forward firstly. Some important parameters, such as aerodynamic damping and added mass, were introduced to describe the additional aerodynamic feedback terms involved in this aeroelastic model. Then, a series of wind tunnel test of saddle-shaped cable net structures and membrane structures with rhombic plans were carried out to study the couple effects of wind and tension structures. Random decrement technique was adopted to identify these parameters. The variation of aerodynamic damping and added mass with wind speed, exposure, structural stiffness and vibration mode shape were analyzed especially, and the mechanics of wind-structure interaction were discussed. Key Word: Tension structure; Wind-induced vibration; Wind tunnel test; Aeroelastic effect; Aerodynamic damping