Computational models and methods for aerodynamic flutter of long-span bridges

The evaluation of bridge aerodynamic instability is traditionally based on direct wind tunnel testing and theoretical analysis method with experimentally identified parameters from wind tunnel tests. With the development of computer technology and computational fluid dynamics, the theoretical analysis method is expected to be developed to theoretical models and pure computational methods for numerically analyzing aerodynamic flutter of long-span bridges. This paper introduces the models and methods for computationally determining aerodynamic instability of long-span bridges, and emphasis is placed on three aspects including self-excited aerodynamic force model, numerical identification of flutter derivatives and two-dimensional or three-dimensional flutter analysis method. Through a serious analysis of the thin-plate cross-section and its cantilevered structure, the H-shaped section and Nanpu cable-stayed bridge, the closed-box section and Hoga Kusten Bridge, the main problems and the key prospects are concluded. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.