The design of the Mackinac Bridge for aerodynamic stability

Abstract

Wind tunnel tests have been widely applied in aerodynamic investigations owing to their unique advantages. However, it is difficult to theoretically establish a simplified symmetry or two-dimensional model because of the relative motion of the structures and proximity of the train to the ground/infrastructure. Additionally, railway-related aerodynamic problems tend to be more challenging than those encountered in other engineering structures. Moreover, transient and crosswind effects, as well as complex operation environments, need to be considered, thereby making aerodynamic analyses of train–bridge systems challenging. Advanced manufacturing methodologies can reproduce realistic scenarios of high-speed train (HST) operations in a wind tunnel. The development of a controllable and affordable experimental method presents considerable research opportunities and challenges. There exists a strong correlation between wind tunnel experimental methods and the understanding of aerodynamic mechanisms, and some wind tunnel tests are dedicated to identifying the aerodynamic behavior using specific test systems. This study mainly describes the types of tests typically performed in a wind tunnel to analyze the aerodynamic issues of train–bridge systems under wind action. To identify and understand the individual role of the above mentioned-correlated systems, trains and bridges in wind tunnel tests are described separately. High-speed trains on bridges must be made safe and environmentally friendly, and a few cases are presented as indications to reconsider our aerodynamic research priorities. Thus, advanced experimental activities have been proposed in the Central South University (CSU) wind tunnel, representing helpful practices in defining the real-world aerodynamic behavior of wind-vehicle-bridge systems.