Influence of Reynolds number on flow and aerodynamic characteristics of bluff bodies with rectangular section of cut corners

Abstract

Influence of a Reynolds number on flow and aerodynamic and aeroelastic characteristics of bluff bodies with a cross section with cut corners, such as a cross- section of a tower of a suspension bridge has been studied using a wind tunnel. Pressure distribution on bodies and Strouhal frequencies have been measured, and a series of free oscillation tests for models with different cut corner and supported with different coil-springs have been carried out in a relatively wide range of Reynolds number based on a resonance velocity, in order to clarify effects of the height of cut corners and influence of Reynolds number on an oscillatory behaviour of bodies. Measured results proves the existence of the critical Reynolds number accompanied with the drastic change of a flow pattern, which is confirmed by the flow visualization technique. The values of the critical Reynolds numbers strongly depend upon a height of cut corners of a model.