Simulation Of Wind-Flow Patterns Around Bridge Deck Sections

Abstract

The finite-difference procedure is used to solve the non-conservative form of the two-dimensional, unsteady, incompressible, Navier-Stokes flow equations, in a body-fitted curvilinear coordinate system. An implicit formulation scheme is employed, in order to avoid excessive computation time, resulting from stringent numerical stability restrictions associated with explicit schemes. The finite-difference mesh is generated using an automatic grid generation technique, based on the boundary-fitted curvilinear coordinate system. Solving the primitive variable form of the Navier-Stokes equations directly yields the desired flow parameters: the two velocity components and the pressure values. The flow velocities are then used in a stream function equation to compute the flow streamlines. Application to the bridge deck section of the Chesapeake and Delaware canal bridge shows good prediction of the wind flow patterns around such a bluff body geometry.