Investigation of wind-induced dynamic and aeroelastic effects on variable message signs

Abstract

Tests were conducted at the Florida International University (FIU) Wall of Wind (WOW) to investigate the susceptibility of Variable Message Signs (VMS) to wind induced vibrations due to vortex shedding and galloping instability. Large scale VMS models were tested in turbulence representative of the high frequency end of the spectrum in a simulated suburban atmospheric boundary layer. Data was measured for the 0 and 45 horizontal wind approach directions and vertical attack angles ranging from -4.5 to +4.5. Analysis of the power spectrum of the fluctuating lift indicated that vertical vortex oscillations could be significant for VMS with a large depth ratio attached to a structure with a low natural frequency. Analysis of the galloping test data indicated that VMS with large depth ratios, greater than about 0.5, and low natural frequency could also be subject to galloping instability.