B5615 - Computational Wind Engineering

Learning outcomes

The course presents the methodologies to be used for the analysis of wind sensitive structures, with particular emphasis on the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The goal of the course is to provide the students with the fundamental concepts and operating tools to solve current Wind Engineering problems using CFD. Students will gain competences regarding the arrangement of the wind flow around immersed obsta-cles, the generation of aerodynamic forces for streamlined and bluff bodies, as well as aeroelastic interactions.

Course contents

The main topics of the course are:

 

• The atmospheric boundary layer;
• Fluid flow: governing equations;
• Bluff body aerodynamics;
• Finite differences;
• The Finite Volume method;
  
• Turbulence modelling;
• Case Study 1: atmospheric flows;
• Oscillators and aeroelasticity;
• Case Study 2: flow around a rectangular prism;
• Wind load assessment;
  
• Bridge aerodynamics;
• Case Study 3: flow around a ground-mounted prism.

Visit the website CWE@LAMC for more information regarding studies related to Computational Wind Engineering performed at the Laboratory of Computational Mechanics.

At the end of the course, the student understands how Continuum Mechanics can be applied to model external flow problems relevant to Wind Engineering. They have a solid grasp of the interconnections between the governing equations of fluid flow, discretization methods, and turbulence modelling, recognizing how these aspects critically influence the evaluation of aerodynamic behavior. By the end of the course, the successful candidate is able to autonomously perform basic Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations using OpenFOAM, post-process the results, and critically interpret and discuss the outcomes.

Readings/Bibliography

Main reference books:

The couse is covered by extensive and well-organized extended notes and slides available to the students.

Other references that the student can consult are:

Holmes, John D., Carol Paton, and Robert Kerwin. Wind loading of structures. CRC press, 2007.

Hirsch, Charles. Numerical computation of internal and external flows: The fundamentals of computational fluid dynamics. Elsevier, 2007.

Wilcox, D. C. (1998). Turbulence modeling for CFD (Vol. 2, pp. 103-217). La Canada, CA: DCW industries.

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures and case studies to be solved during computer exercitations. The couse if fully taught in English.

Assessment methods

Presentation of an essay deepening one of the topics seen during lectures and oral examination.

Teaching tools

Refence books and slides.

Office hours

See the website of Luca Patruno