Dynamics and Wind Engineering
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| CIVE4094 | Civil Engineering | 4 | 20 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- CIVE4094
- School
- Civil Engineering
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
This course (module) will introduce students to the meteorological processes responsible for the extra-tropical cyclones seen in the northern hemisphere and which are responsible for the extreme, damaging winds in the UK. The wind will then be characterised across a range of spatial and temporal scales, ranging from weather systems to local urban turbulence. In addition, the variation of wind speed in the atmospheric boundary layer will be presented. A brief introduction to bluff body aerodynamics will lead into the definition of pressure coefficients around typical low-rise buildings. This is all then brought together in the Eurocode for wind loading, including aspects of the UK national annex. Wind tunnel and computational modelling techniques are introduced to bring a practical side to the module. Single degree of freedom systems, including the equation of motion, the various damping cases and free and forced vibration are used as an introduction to structural dynamics. This is then further extended to multiple degree of freedom and continuous systems. Finally, the two strands of the module, wind engineering and dynamics are married together in a section on wind-structure interaction, which involves buffeting, vortex-induced vibration, galloping and flutter.
Target Students
Part III MEng students and MSc students in the Department of Civil Engineering.
Assessment
- 25% Coursework 1: Eurocode wind loading. Individual project using Eurocode to predict forces on a low-rise structure.Individual project using Eurocode to predict forces on a low-rise structure.
- 25% Coursework 2: Dynamics. Individual project using Matlab coding to model the dynamic response of a building to wind excitation.Individual project using Matlab coding to model the dynamic response of a building to wind excitation.
- 50% Exam 1 (3-hour): Written examination.
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
To furnish students with a deep understanding of both the genesis and nature of the wind in the northern hemisphere. This, together with a basic introduction to bluff body aerodynamics, will allow students to not only apply the relevant code of practice, but also to understand the underlying philosophy that underpins it. The spatial and temporal variation of the wind can produce dramatic responses in dynamic structures. The thorough grounding in the dynamics of systems of various degrees of complexity allows the student to understand various wind-structure interaction phenomena.Learning Outcomes
On successful completion this course (module), students will be able to:
1. Understand and interpret the genesis and nature of extra tropical cyclones.
2. Understand and apply the spatial and temporal structure of macro- and micrometeorological winds.
3. Understand and apply the aerodynamics of bluff bodies as they pertain to wind engineering.
4. Apply and critically review the application of the Eurocode to the wind loading of a low-rise building.
5. Apply the principles of structural dynamics to predict the dynamic response of structures to wind.
6. Critically review and report on the predicted buffeting of a long-span bridge.
7. Explain and critically comment on observations of aero-elastic response of structures in the wind.
This will contribute to the following programme learning outcomes (see Programme (Plan) Specifications for details):
- Knowledge and Understanding: M1, M2
- Intellectual Skills: M3, M5
- Transferable/Key Skills: M13, M17