ABSTRACTPlate-cone reticulated shell is a new type of

space steel structures with good mechanical behavior and

technical economy. In this paper, by using the wave superposi-
tion method, the fluctuation wind loads are simulated. Accord-
ing to the structural behavior of plate-cone reticulated shell,
the structural shape factors of wind load for plate-cone reticu-
lated shell were gained with numerical wind tunnel simulation
based on Computational Fluid Dynamic(CFD) method
through simulating wind field variation around plate-cone re-
ticulated shell, and comprised with the common reticulated
shells shape factors of wind load suggested by the Code for
loads, some important conclusions for plate-cone reticulated
shell are obtained for practical design.
Keywords-Plate-cone reticulated shell; Numerical Simula-
tion; Wave superposition method; Fluctuation wind loads
I. INTRODUCTION
Plate-cone reticulated shell is a new type of space struc-
tures, in which cone elements are composed of plates and
made up into a whole based on the surface shape of reticu-
lated shell, then the tops of cones are connected by members
(Fig. 1). Plate-cone reticulated shell has good mechanical
behavior, technical economy and architectural appearance. It
can make full use of the strength and stiffness of plates and
make materials most effective, integrate bearing, surround-
ing and decoration into a whole. Plate-cone reticulated shell
is light and has high bearing capacity, it has been applied
widely abroad but not applied in China yet. Research for
plate-cone reticulated shell in China and abroad is not very
sufficient, the research of Gilkie(1967)
[1]
abroad focuses on
static analysis and approximate equivalent method. In China,
Wang(2000)
[2]
analyzed the static characteristics of plate-
cone reticulated shell with composite structures FEM. The
dynamic problem of plate-cone reticulated shell is also a
very important problem in engineering design, but due to
complexity of the structure, the wind vibration response
analysis for plate-cone reticulated shell has not been seen at
home and abroad yet, not adapting to the needs of engineer-
ing application.
In this paper, according to the structural behavior of
plate-cone reticulated shell, the structural shape factors of
wind load for plate-cone reticulated shell were gained with
numerical wind tunnel tests based on Computational Fluid
Dynamic(CFD) method though simulating wind field
variation around plate-cone reticulated shell, and comprised
with the common reticulated shells shape factors of wind
load suggested by the Code for loads.
II. NUMERICAL SIMULATION METHOD FOR
TURBULENT FLOW
Turbulent flow is a highly complex nonlinear flow, cur-
rent numerical simulation method for turbulent flow can be
divided into direct numerical simulation method and the
non-direct numerical simulation method. Some feasible nu-
merical simulation methods for turbulent flow are introduced
and compared as following.
A. Double Equations Modelk H Equation Model
Standard k H equation model
Due to the Reynolds stress and turbulence viscosity coef-
ficient unknown, Reynolds equation is not sealed, Establish-
ing the transporting equations associated with unknown
quantity is necessary. Currently using the k H equations
reflecting confused kinetic energy and the H equations re-
flecting dissipation of confused kinetic energy, Reynolds
equation is sealed. k H equations, continuous equation
and Reynolds equation form the completely sealed turbulent
flow equations.
RNGk H model
Renormalization Group (RNG) is a kind of common
method, used to construct the models of many physical phe-
nomena. RNG
k H
model is an improved form of the
standard
k H
model, its
k H
equations are:
k
equation:
H
V
Q
Q
w
w

w
w

w
w

w
w
k
i k
t
i i
i
P
x
k
x x
k
u
t
k
] ) [(
(1)
H equation:
k
C P
k
C R
x x x
u
t
k
i
t
i i
i
2
2 1
] ) [(
H H H
V
Q
Q
H H
H

w
w

w
w

w
w

w
w
(2)
B. Reynolds Stress ModelRSM
Reynolds stress models applied on engineering numeri-
cal computation are the secondary moment model and the
algebra stress model simplified on the basis. Starting from
Numerical Simulation Wind Analysis for Plate-cone
Reticulated Shell
Wang XingFang Ji-gaoZhu Li-zhuang
School of Architecture and Civil Engineering
Ningbo University of Technology
Ningbo , China
E-mailwyuqi425@163.com
!
___________________________________
978-1-4244-9600-6/11/$26.00 2011 IEEE

the pulsation velocity field, and the stress equations of tur-
bulence flow are derived, the equations are sealed after
analysis and simplifying. But it's simulation accuracy of
k equation and H equation is not higher than the stan-
dard k H model, and the engineering applications are
loaded down with trivial details.
C. Large Eddy Simulation MethodLES
The computer memory and CPU speed required by the
LES method are still relatively high, but below the DNS
method. At present, the LES work can been carried on the
workstation and high-grade PC, the commercial software
FLUENT also provides the LES module. The LES method is
one of the hotspots of currently CFD study and application.
D. Comparison of Numerical Simulation Method for Tur-
bulent Flow
At present, the most famous turbulent flow models such
as Standard
k H
model, RNG
k H
model, Reynolds
stress modelRSMand large eddy simulation model
LESshowed no significant differences for prediction of
the wind pressure distributions on blunt body surface
[3][4]
,
but there are some problems in local place, especially in the
top front of the building using the standard
k H
model.
Large eddy simulation result is best, Reynolds stress model
take second place, RNG
k H
model is close to Reynolds
stress model, Standard
k H
model is not as good as Rey-
nolds stress model
[5]
. Due to the large eddy simulation still at
the stage of studying and needing advanced computer tech-
nology, the application on civil engineering problems are not
practical at present.
In short, all types of
k H
model and algebra stress
model are the most practical value of turbulent flow models
for engineering calculation of complex turbulent flow prob-
lems at present.
III. NUMERICAL WIND TUNNEL TESTS FOR
PLATE-CONE RETICULATED SHELL
In the paper, the structural shape factors of wind load for
plate-cone reticulated shell were gained with numerical wind
tunnel tests by using Computational Fluid Dynamic software
FLUENT though simulating wind field variation around
plate-cone reticulated shell, and comprised with the common
reticulated shells shape factors of wind load suggested by
the Code for loads.
A. Choice of Flow Field
Referring to the related references
[6]
, RNGk H turbu-
lence model is adopted on calculation of the example in this
paper.
In order to calculating boundary conditions more accord-
ing with actual physical boundary conditions, the marginal-
ity of Numerical wind tunnel from buildings must be large
enough. After trial, comprehensively considering precision
and computational resources, the scale of numerical wind
tunnel is 20 times of the models plane diameter in this ex-
ample. The model is divided by using hybrid grids, comput-
ing model is selected as steady state, Computing method is
SIMPLEC.
B. Initial Condition and Boundary Condition
According to the experimental data and relevant refer-
ences
[6]
, initial condition and boundary condition are as fol-
lows:
Inlet flow surface: the inlet velocity boundary condi-
tions is the inlet wind velocity 26.833 / v m s (accord-
ing to the conversion for Hangzhou area basic wind pres-
sure value 0.45kPa at Hangzhou area with the conversion
formula
2
0
/1600 v Z ). Considering the sufficient de-
velopment of the inlet airflows disorder degree, turbulence
intensity is taken as 10% in the example. Maximum eddy
size is usually same as the obstacles in the fluid in the same
scale, turbulent flow scale is taken as half of plane diameter
considering the structural symmetry.
Outlet flow surface: because of the outlet flow near
complete development, pressure outlet boundary condition
is taken and the relative pressure value is taken as zero.
The top and sides of flow field: symmetrical boundary
conditions is taken, equivalent to the free sliding wall.
Building surface and ground: no sliding wall condition.
C. Numerical Wind Tunnel Tests for Plate-cone
Cylindrical Reticulated Shell with Quadrangular
Pyramids
The geometric parameters of plate-cone cylindrical re-
ticulated shell with quadrangular pyramids are: span is 30m,
length is 45m, vector height is 5m, thickness is 1.5 m, mesh
is divided into 1015, the top connecting members are taken
as steel pipes of 1085.0, the triangle plates of cones are
taken as steel plates of 3mm thickness, the reticulated shell is
put on the 10m high maintenance structure. The model is
analyzed with numerical wind tunnel by using software
FLUENT. This paper mainly discusses the mechanical char-
acteristics of plate-cone cylindrical reticulated shell under
the 0 wind direction angle.
Structural wind pressure distribution:
!b
Figure. 1 shows the wind pressure distribution of struc-
ture surface under 26.833 m/s, 0 wind. Positive pressure on
the windward side of entrance of the reticulated shell, is
mainly concentrated on windward side of the first row cones,
the maximum wind pressure of local field is about 55Pa.
Most of the structure surface area is under negative pressure,
the biggest negative wind pressure appeared in the side of
first row of cones, the local biggest negative unpressured to -
800Pa, the first row of cones stress is complex. Due to the
special shape of plate-cone reticulated shells, vortex-induced
vibration produced in the back of sides of cones will be more
complex, plates of cones will likely produce wider margin of
flutter and buffeting, causing the plates fatigued.
Shape factors distributions for net wind pressure:
The shape factors for net wind pressure of plate-cone
cylindrical reticulated shell with quadrangular pyramids in
this example can be gained from the calculated results of
wind pressure distributions. The shape factors for net wind
pressure are zoned, zoning map is Fig. 3 and partition table
is table 1. From Fig. 1 and table 1, we can see:
On the case of 0 wind direction angle, the pressure area
of plate-cone cylindrical reticulated shell mainly are near the
windward surface, the maximum pressure zone (1-1)
concentrated in the support or the middle plates near the
support, the wind pressure coefficients are small, the maxi-
mum wind pressure coefficient is 0.15, The windward side
and leeward side of cones mainly is under the suction, the
wind pressure of sides is larger than the wind pressure of
the back , the biggest suction area (1-2) is in the sides of the
first row of cones, wind pressure coefficient can reach - 1.5
or more.
Comparison of shape factors between plate-cone reticu-
lated shell and common cylindrical reticulated shell:
? ?
3 ?
9 ?
! 0 ?
8 ?
?
b ?
+ ?
?
! 0 !
9 !
8 !
!
b !
!
+ !
3 !
? !
? ?
3 ?
9 ?
! 0 ?
8 ?
?
b ?
+ ?
?
? !
3 !
+ !
!
b !
!
8 !
9 !
! 0 !
?
+ ?
b ?
?
8 ?
! 0 ?
9 ?
3 ?
? ?
! !
! ?
! !
TABLE 1 Partition Table of Shape Factors for Net Wind Pressure
Zone number Shape factors Zone number Shape factors
1-1 -0.457265206 6-1 -0.863304256
1-2 -0.451487423 6-2 -0.930247904
1-3 -0.433718469 6-3 -0.660339915
2-1 -0.436698454 7-1 -0.949023371
2-2 -0.454528728 7-2 -0.965167087
2-3 -0.469401121 7-3 -0.583854202
3-1 -0.469945866 8-1 -0.933128977
3-2 -0.496919379 8-2 -0.975819573
3-3 -0.49737519 8-3 -0.539154605
4-1 -0.553638559 9-1 -0.914989911
4-2 -0.590486423 9-2 -0.926543664
4-3 -0.573388737 9-3 -0.573408793
5-1 -0.697830496 10-1 -1.065871879
5-2 -0.780780353 10-2 -1.516645002
5-3 -0.645515981 10-3 -0.329726364
Figure.1 Zones of shape factors for net wind pressure of plate-cone cylindrical reticulated shell
!
The shape factors for net wind pressure of common cy-
lindrical reticulated shell can be taken as the shape factors of
closed-end vaulted roof.
In this example, the vector height of common cylindri-
cal reticulated shell is 5m, the span is 30m,
/ 0.1667 f l , calculating by method of insertion, the
zoning shape factors
1
-0.27
s
P
2
-0.8
s
P
3
-0.5
s
P
, the average shape factor
-0.59
s
P
. The zon-
ing shape factors of plate-cone cylindrical reticulated shell
with the same ratio of rise to span
1
-0.85
s
P
2
-0.73
s
P
3
-0.46
s
P , the average shape factor
-0.69
s
P .
Flow velocity distribution:
Flow velocity distribution of the structure is shown as
Figure. 3. In Figure. 3, we can see that the phenomenon of
vortex shedding between cones is serious.
Figure.3 Flow velocity distribution
IV. CONCLUSIONS
In this paper, the feasibility of numerical wind tunnel test
with CFD method for plate-cone reticulated shells is dis-
cussed. The change of wind field around plate-cone reticu-
lated shell is simulated on the Computer, the structural
shape factors of wind load for plate-cone reticulated shell
were gained, and comprised with the common reticulated
shells shape factors of wind load suggested by the Code for
loads, some useful conclusions are summarized as follows:
a) CFD method for numerical simulation of complex
shape structure under the wind is practical and effective. It
provides a kind of non-experimental and low cost method,
which determines wind pressure distribution and values of
complex shape structures, so it is valuable in the engineering
application.
b) There is bigger difference between shape factors of
plate-cone cylindrical reticulated shell and shape factors of
average cylindrical reticulated shell. Due to the existence of
cones, the turbulent wind is increased, to cause greater nega-
tive pressure on the structure. Therefore, in the structural de-
sign on plate-cone reticulated shell, we should pay attention
to the connections between middle plates under negative
pressure, in order to prevent the connecting bolts pulled,
middle plate edge torn etc.
c) Plate-cone cylindrical reticulated shell in the example
bears negative pressure overall, partial plates bear weak
positive pressure, the largest negative pressure and the larg-
est positive appear on the first row of cones of windward
side, therefore, the rigidity of first row of cones of windward
side should be reinforced mainly in the design of plate-cone
cylindrical reticulated shell.
V. REFERENCES
[1] RC Gilkie, A comparison between the theoretical and experimental
analysis of stresed shin system of construction in plastics and alu-
minium, Space Structures, Blackwell Scientific Publictions Ltd,1967
[2] Meroney B N, Leitl B M and Rafailidis S, Wind tunnel numerical
modeling of flow and dispersion about several building shapes.
Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics,1999,(81)
[3] Wang Xing and Dong SL, A study on static characteristics for plate-
cone reticulated shellBuilding Structure2000, 30(9)
[4] Kim SE and Boyisan F, Application of CFD to environmental flows.
Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics,1999,
(81)
[5] Murakami S, Comparison of various turbulence models applied to a
bluff body. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynam-
ics, 1999
[6] Yang Wei and Gu Ming, Numerical simulation of constant wind
field for high building, Journal of Tongji University, Vol.31, 2003(6)
Figure.2 Comparison of shape factors between plate-cone reticulated shell and common reticulated shell
-1.52
-1.32
-1.12
-0.92
-0.72
-0.52
-0.32
-0.12
1-
1
1-
2
1-
3
2-
1
2-
2
2-
3
3-
1
3-
2
3-
3
4-
1
4-
2
4-
3
5-
1
5-
2
5-
3
6-
1
6-
2
6-
3
7-
1
7-
2
7-
3
8-
1
8-
2
8-
3
9-
1
9-
2
9-
3
1
0-
1
1
0-
2
1
0-
3
structural zones
shape factors of plate-cone reticulated shell
shape factors of common reticulated shell
!8