Effects of Small-Scale Turbulence on the Aerodynamic and Aeroelastic Responses of a 3:2 Rectangular Prism

Abstract

[Abstract]: The scope of the ERIES-SSTURBO project is reviewed in this work, emphasizing the importance of gaining a deeper understanding of the effects that turbulence in general, and turbulent length scale in particular, have in the flow-induced response of bluff bodies. The planned experimental campaign at the Giovanni Solari Wind Tunnel of the University of Genoa is described, testing a 3:2 rectangular prism in smooth flow, as a reference flow-induced response assessment. The effects of large-scale turbulence will be studied based on grid-induced turbulence, while those of small-scale turbulence will be analyzed using rod-induced turbulence, as proposed by Gartshore in 1973. Details are provided about the experimental facility and the instrumentation. Aiming at highlighting the complementarity between the wind tunnel data and high-fidelity 3D LES simulations in the study of turbulent flow effects on the response of bluff bodies, computational results obtained in the frame of an independent project are briefly introduced. It is expected that the results of this experimental campaign will shed light on our understanding of the role played by the turbulent length scale in the interaction between the flow and flexible structures prone to suffer flow-induced excitation. Furthermore, this experimental dataset will be instrumental for the detailed validation of CFD simulations addressing this highly complex problem, allowing to assess the accuracy of computational results.