Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
293014 Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics 2010 12 Pages PDF
Abstract

This paper presents the results of unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulations of flow around a common bridge deck geometry. Computations are performed with a noncommercial unstructured flow solver using two-dimensional hybrid meshes with fine near-wall resolution. The influence of different simulation parameters (grid refinement, time-step size, turbulence modelling) is analyzed, in particular in order to obtain flow solutions independent of spatial and temporal discretization. Results given by a one-equation eddy-viscosity turbulence model and a two-equation explicit algebraic Reynolds stress model are compared. Despite the limits imposed by the URANS approach and the relatively inexpensive two-dimensional computations, satisfactory agreement is found with the experimentally measured forces and pressures. These simulations help to explain the discrepancy between the results of two wind-tunnel test campaigns and show the dramatic influence of non-perfectly sharp edges on the global flow field development. The capability of the numerical approach to capture complex Reynolds number effects is also discussed.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Energy Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
Authors
, , , ,