Numerical Simulation of the Three-Component Force Coefficient of a Bridge Section

Abstract

The three-component force coefficient of a streamlined bridge section that varies with the Reynolds number (Re) was numerically simulated based on the computational fluid dynamics software FLUENT in studying the Re effect on a bridge section through numerical simulation. Three turbulent models were used in this paper: standard k-ε model, Reynolds stress model, and Spalart-Allmaras model. Several important conclusions were drawn by comparing results of the numerical simulation with those of the wind tunnel test. First, results of the numerical simulation and the wind tunnel test are very similar. Maximum error of the drag coefficient is less than 4%; calculation results of the lift coefficient are greater than the test result; and the relative error is less than 3%. When the Re is less than 6×105, calculation results of the lift pitching moment coefficient is less than that of the test result. When the Reynolds number is bigger than 6×105, calculation results of the lift pitching moment coefficient is greater than that of the test result, and calculation error is less than 6%. The study confirms the existence of the Re effect on static aerodynamic coefficients on a bridge deck. The model should be used to simulate the three-component force coefficient for a streamlined bridge section. Calculation results can meet accuracy requirement through this method.