Aerodynamic stability of high-speed vehicle passing bridge tower in different lanes under crosswind conditions

Large bridges' decks often exhibit different adhesion coefficients in complex environments, which are frequently accompanied by significant crosswind effects. This results in a complex and constantly changing flow field around vehicles, which can severely impact driving safety. In this study, the two-way coupling method is utilized to investigate the transient aerodynamic characteristics and dynamic response of vehicles passing through bridge towers at high speeds in different lanes with varied adhesion coefficients under crosswind conditions. The vehicle speed was 30 m/s, and the crosswind velocity was recorded at 11.33 m/s. The results indicate that the aerodynamic load fluctuates more significantly due to the influence of the bridge tower. In the same lane, the bridge deck with an adhesion coefficient of 0.4 produces a greater lateral displacement and yaw angle. When passing through the bridge tower, a vehicle in lane L1 is suddenly affected by vortex shedding, resulting in a larger lateral displacement and yaw angle compared to vehicles in L2 and L3 lanes. The lateral displacement measures 0.251 m, and the yaw angle measures 0.0205 radians at an adhesion coefficient of 0.4. This also indicates that driving in the L1 lane in a crosswind environment is relatively less safe.

Automated summary

This study investigates the transient aerodynamic characteristics and dynamic response of vehicles passing through bridge towers at high speeds in different lanes with varied adhesion coefficients under crosswind conditions using the two-way coupling method. The results indicate that the aerodynamic load fluctuates more significantly due to the influence of the bridge tower, and driving in the L1 lane in a crosswind environment is relatively less safe.