Aerodynamic force coefficients of an ice-accreted bridge cable in low and moderately turbulent wind

Abstract

This study deals with the effects of wind turbulence on the mean aerodynamic drag, lift and moment coefficients of a stationary ice-accreted section model of a bridge cable for different wind angles of attack. The experiments were conducted in the Reynolds number range between 2.5·104 and 1.36·105. While the yawed/inclined cable model was experimentally iced in a climatic wind tunnel, the development of the ice shape was registered using photogrammetry. Later on, the ice-accreted model was reproduced on a smaller scale via three-dimensional printing. For the model in cross-flow, a series of wind tunnel tests were performed in low and moderately turbulent flow conditions with turbulence intensities of 3% and 12%, respectively. The obtained results were compared with those obtained experimentally for a circular smooth cylinder. The principal finding is that the flow turbulence significantly reduces the drag coefficient.