Wind-induced responses of a high chimney by the wind tunnel tests with a continuous aero-elastic model

Taking a 300 m super tall chimney as an example, the wind tunnel test method and experimental results for a continuous aeroelastic model applied in wind resistant design were introduced. The continuous aero-elastic chimney model was manufactured by the DEVCON plastic steel liquid to analogy the structure according to its geometry scale ratios and dynamic characteristics. A piece of emery paper was attached on the surface of a rigid model to achieve an effective high Reynolds number flow in the full-scale condition and the optimal thickness of the emery paper was determined via a series of pressure measurement tests on the rigid model of the chimney. Thereafter, roughening the aero-elastic model by the emery paper with the optimal thickness, a series of wind tunnel tests were conducted on the model to directly acquire the structural responses. The test results show that the vortex induced resonance phenomenon exists in uniform flow to a certain extent, while there is no vortex induced resonance phenomenon in turbulent flow. Nevertheless, the dynamic displacements of the model in across-wind direction are still obviousely larger than those in along-wind direction. The test results were compared with the full-scale measured results, and it is shown that the test data of the model are reliable. The research process and results can provide a reference to similar projects. © 2019, Editorial Office of Journal of Vibration and Shock. All right reserved.