Research Progress of Reynolds Number Effect of Engineering Structures

Abstract:

The Reynolds number effect of engineering structures has always been a fundamental problem in wind engineering. With the increasing of building height and bridge span, the wind resistance research needs to be more precise, which makes the Reynolds number effect becoming more and more significant. This paper presents an overview of the basic research achievements and engineering applications of circular cylinder, rectangular prism and bridge models. The related contents including the surface pressure distribution, the three component forces coefficients, the Strouhal number, the fluctutating pressure and the fluctutating wind force. Two methods of high Reynolds number effect simulatio n in low Reynolds-wind tunnels are summarized, for instance, changing model surface roughness and increasing the flow turbulence. Finally, some recommendations for future researches are proposed.