Analysing fluid loadings on moving bluff bodies using proper orthogonal decomposition

Numerical simulations and experimental measurements of the fluid loadings on three typical fixed or moving bluff bodies are presented and analysed. The numerical approach is based on an efficient finite-element solver using an Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian formulation for solving the two-dimensional incompressible Navier-Stokes equations with moving domains. Experimental tests consist of unsteady pressure measurements performed during sectional model tests. The Proper Orthogonal Decomposition applied to the wall pressure distributions is used in addition to spectral analyses in order to explain complex flow signature and motion-induced mechanisms. Effects of body shapes and dynamic characteristics (reduced wind speed, motion amplitude) on flow response and resulting loads are then examined.