Development of CFD-based aerodynamic parameters for a multi-sided cylinder

Abstract

High mast light poles (HMLP) are used nationwide on major interstates and at local intersections for luminary purposes in the United States. The HMLPs are subjected to major oscillatory wind loading which may cause fatigue and earlier life expediency failure. From the concerns that HMLP failures would lead to pedestrian harm, extensive studies were performed to develop a standard model of behavior for high wind loads and vortex shedding that can be used for future design. Numerical modeling with the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is proposed to simulate the typical shape (dodecagonal cylinders) of the HMLPs and be validated with wind tunnel experiments. The k-ω based SAS-SST turbulence model will be used to handle the turbulence closure for the fully turbulent flow regime. The work done will look at validating static and dynamic force coefficients of a dodecagonal cylinder at different orientations. In addition, the lock-in behavior will be simulated to determine the applicability of modern CFD approaches to be able to perform the oscillatory behavior of a dodecagonal cylinder. Added mass cases also will be examined to determine the damping effects on an unsteady cylinder as additional in-depth study.