Large eddy simulation on wind-induced interference effects of staggered chamfered square cylinders

Area of Science:

• Computational fluid dynamics
• Wind engineering
• Structural aerodynamics

Background:

• Chamfered corners are used to mitigate wind load effects on structures.
• Current Chinese codes lack specifications for the interference effects of chamfered buildings.
• Understanding interference is crucial for accurate structural design under wind loads.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the aerodynamic forces and wind pressure coefficients of chamfered square cylinders at various spacings.
• To analyze wind load characteristics, non-Gaussian properties, and interference effects.
• To provide data for improving wind load calculations in building codes.

Main Methods:

• Large eddy simulation (LES) was employed to obtain aerodynamic and wind pressure coefficients.
• Simulations were validated by comparing results at a wall y+ value of 1 for accuracy.
• Analysis focused on aerodynamic coefficients, wind pressure coefficients, and interference coefficients.

Main Results:

• Large eddy simulation accuracy is highest when the wall y+ value is 1.
• Aerodynamic effects, non-Gaussian characteristics, and interference are primarily governed by cross-wind interval and spacing.
• A characteristic spacing coordinate of (4.0, 4.0) was identified; interference is significant below this, and negligible above it.

Conclusions:

• The spacing of chamfered square cylinders critically influences their aerodynamic behavior and interference effects.
• When spacing exceeds (4.0, 4.0), interference effects diminish, and aerodynamic properties resemble those of isolated cylinders.
• Findings provide essential data for the design of structures with chamfered elements exposed to wind.