Experimental determination of wind pressure distribution for cylindrical and spherical flexible membrane structures

Abstract

Wind interaction with flexible structures, such as air-supported structures, is different from that of the standard rigid structures. Very few experimental studies are available in the literature with regards to wind effects on such structures. This paper presents an experimental wind tunnel study on hemispherical and cylindrical models of varying ratios of height to base width. The results of the steady state pressure distribution on flexible air-supported models are compared with those of the rigid models, which are generally known. Other varying parameters are also considered, such as wind velocity and direction, internal support pressure, and the Reynolds number. Key words: structure, experimental, wind pressure distribution, flexible membrane, cylindrical, spherical.