Aerodynamic characteristics study of vehicle-bridge system based on computational fluid dynamics

Coupled vibration of the wind-vehicle-bridge system is an important research to ensure the safety and comfort of the vehicles running on bridges in crosswinds. The aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle-bridge system are fundamental. The wind tunnel experiment is the first choice to study the aerodynamics of the vehicle-bridge system. But the sizes of the general wind tunnels are limited, the scaled model may bring out Reynolds num-ber effects. The realized moving speeds of the vehicles in the boundary wind tunnel are very low. The special wind induced by the moving vehicles may not be explored fully. Therefore, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has become the alternate tool to explore the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle-bridge system. In this paper, the aerodynamic studies of vehicle-bridge system based on CFD were reviewed to provide a systematic summary, including the basic stationary system, the moving vehicle on the bridge deck, the shielding effects of the bridge tower, the protection of the wind fence, and the complex surroundings. The validation results of the simulations are very convinced. Through this review, the confidence of using CFD to explore the aerodynamic characteristics of vehicle-bridge system is established. Some comments and future trends are also discussed.

Automated summary

The coupled vibration of the wind-vehicle-bridge system is crucial for ensuring the safety and comfort of vehicles on bridges in crosswinds. While wind tunnel experiments are the preferred method for studying the aerodynamics of the system, their limitations in size and scaled models may introduce Reynolds number effects. Therefore, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has emerged as an alternative tool. In this paper, a review of CFD-based studies on the aerodynamics of the vehicle-bridge system is provided, including the stationary and moving systems, bridge tower shielding effects, wind fence protection, and complex surroundings. The validation results of the simulations are highly reliable, establishing confidence in the use of CFD for exploring the aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle-bridge system. Comments and future trends are also discussed.