PROJECTS

Featured Wall of Wind Projects

View all NSF Funded Projects.

Wind-Induced Vibration of Full-Scale PV Systems

Published Paper: A new experimental-numerical approach to estimate peak wind loads on roof-mounted photovoltaic systems by incorporating inflow turbulence and dynamic effects

To address wind induced vibrations of PV systems, multi-scale wind load measurements are conducted using PV systems located on the roof of a building model. The PV panel orientations are adjusted to different tilt angles that would generally encompass common residential installations in North America. The goal of the study was to compare the net aerodynamic forces acting on an individual roof-mounted PV panel measured at full scale.

Aerodynamic Mitigation and Power System (AMPS)
Patented: US 2015/0345472 A1

Published Paper: Active AerodynamicsMitigation and Power Production System for Buildings and Other Structures

The roof is the most vulnerable part of a low rise building as it is often affected in the event of high winds that produce high suctions or uplift forces on the edges and corners. This study investigates the application of an active mitigation strategy, in the form of an Active Aerodynamics Mitigation and Power Production System (AMPS) (United States Patent Application Publication, Pub. No.: US 2015/0345472 A1, Pub. Date: Dec. 3, 2015), designed to simultaneously reduce wind damage and provide power to buildings, homes, and other infrastructures. The system consists of horizontal axis wind turbines attached to the roof edges with or without gutters. This study shows that the active mitigation system can be utilized to prevent wind induced damage to the roof while generating wind energy.

Reynolds Number Effects on twin Box Girder Long Span Bridge Aerodynamics

Published Paper: Reynolds number effects on twin box girder long span bridge aerodynamics

This work investigates the effects of Reynolds number (Re) on the aerodynamic characteristics of a twin-deck bridge. A 1:36 scale sectional model of a twin girder bridge was tested and static tests were performed, instrumented with pressure taps and load cells, at high wind speeds with Re ranging from 1.3 × 106 to 6.1 × 106 based on the section width. Results show that the section was almost insensitive to Re when pitched to negative angles of attack. However, mean and fluctuating pressure distributions changed noticeably for zero and positive wind angles of attack while testing at different Re regimes. The pressure results suggested that with the Re increase, a larger separation bubble formed on the bottom surface of the upstream girder accompanied with a narrower wake region. Flow modification due to the Re increase also helped in distributing forces more equally between the two girders.

Standing Seam Metal Roof Testing

Published Paper: Full-scale testing to evaluate the performance of standing seam metal roofs under simulated wind loading/

The current methods for evaluating the adequacy of metal roofs in withstanding wind-induced loads involve undertaking uniform uplift pressure tests. This research work presents results of a full-scale experimental study conducted under more realistic wind loading with the panels installed as they would be in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E1592 test chamber. The research objectives were to (i) measure the uplift roof pressure experience by mono-sloped standing seam metal roofs and compare them with the provisions of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 7–10 standard, (ii) evaluate the performance of standing seam roofs under high winds, and (iii) compare the deflections and failure modes observed under more realistic wind loading to uniform loading tests.

Wind-Driven Rain Deposition on Low-Rise Building

Published Paper: Distribution of wind-driven rain deposition on low-rise buildings: Direct impinging raindrops versus surface runoff

Wind-driven rain (WDR) effects on various components of a building façade are dependent on the total volume of rain water deposition. The total volume of WDR deposition at a specific location on the building façade has contributions from both directly impinging rain drops and accumulated surface runoff. The distribution of WDR deposition over the building surface is dependent on the nature of the storm and on the aerodynamic shape of the building. This work presents an experimental study conducted to investigate the distribution of WDR deposition on the external façade of low-rise buildings.

Thunderstorm Downburst-Induced Loading on Buildings

Published Paper: Dynamic properties of an aeroelastic transmission tower subjected to synoptic and downburst-like outflows

This Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award will advance understanding of thunderstorm downburst wind characteristics and the consequent downburst-induced loading on buildings. This award will contribute to the NSF role in the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program (NWIRP). This project will address three integrated research and education aims: (1) bridge the gap between meteorology and wind engineering paradigms to inform experimental simulation methods at the NHERI WOW facility to produce realistic downburst flow and to assess the uncertainty in the resulting flow field, (2) analyze and understand the downburst aerodynamic loading on buildings and possible aeroelastic effects using large-scale testing at the NHERI WOW facility, and (3) integrate downburst flow characteristics and aerodynamic and aeroelastic loading research into interconnected educational activities to prepare the next generation of researchers and teachers in the field of windstorm hazards.