Dynamics and Wind Engineering

Code School Level Credits Semesters
CIVE4107 Civil Engineering 4 20 Autumn Malaysia
Code
CIVE4107
School
Civil Engineering
Level
4
Credits
20
Semesters
Autumn Malaysia

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 caes 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. 

For students requiring reassessment, this will be limited to the components which have been failed and these will be in the same form as the original assessment.

Target Students

Part III MEng students and MSc students in the Department of Civil Engineering.

Classes

Assessment

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 in particular. 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 philosphy that underpins it. The spatial and temporal variation of the wind can produce dramatic responses in dyanmic 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 model the genesis and nature of extra tropical cyclones.
2. Describe the spatial and temporal structure of macro- and micrometeorological winds.
3. Understand the aerodynamics of bluff bodies as they pertain to wind engineering.
4. Appreciate the science behind the Eurocode and then apply it to determine the wind loads acting on a static low-rise building.
5. Analyse and describe the free and forced vibration response of single- and multi-degree of freedom and continuous systems.
6. Model the dynamic response of a flexible structure to a gusty wind (buffeting).
7. Understand the aero-elastic response of flexible structures (e.g. galloping, flutter and vortex-induced vibration).

This will contribute to the following programme learning outcomes (see Programme (Plan) Specifications for details):
- Knowledge and Understanding: M1, M2
- Intellectual Skills: M3, M5
- Professional/Practical Skills: M7
- Transferable/Key Skills: M13, M17

Conveners

View in Curriculum Catalogue
Last updated 09/01/2025.