The wind-excited vibrations of structures induce fluctuating stresses that lead to fatigue

damage accumulation and may determine structural failure without exceeding ultimate
strength. This paper proposes a mathematical model aimed at deriving the histogram of the
stress cycles, the accumulated damage, and the fatigue life of slender vertical structures
exposed to simultaneous alongwind and crosswind vibrations. Wind climate is modeled by the
joint density function of the mean wind velocity and direction. Wind-induced actions consist
of aerodynamic forces on the stationary structure and of aeroelastic forces due to the
structural motion. Aerodynamic actions on the stationary structure are caused by the
turbulence of the oncoming flow, dealt with through quasisteady theory, and by the vortex
wake, considered as independent from turbulence. Aeroelastic forces are aimed at reproducing
the lock-in phenomenon. The static and the quasistatic parts of the structural response are
evaluated by the influence function technique, taking all modes of vibrations into
consideration. The resonant part of the response is related to the fundamental alongwind and
crosswind modes only. The probabilistic accumulation of damage due to aerodynamic actions
on stationary structures is estimated by a counting cycle method inspired by narrow band
processes. The damage in lock-in conditions is superimposed by counting stress cycles
deterministically. The examples illustrate the application and the effectiveness of the proposed
procedure, focusing attention on the role of upper modes and wind directionality.

Vortex Shedding & Tall Structures The Uncertainties of

Wind Loading
Jason Thompson
If you are designing a tall, slender, structure and it is subject to wind (such as a derrick/mast
or communication tower), you need to consider vortex shedding.
In this post we cover:

What is vortex shedding?

Why does vortex shedding matter?
How to calculate vortex shedding?

What is Vortex Shedding?

Vortex shedding happens when the wind hits a mechanical system at a specific frequency
causing the system to excite and produce a high vibrational load. This is a relatively recent
field of study for engineers and was brought into light during famous failures such as the
Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Historically, it has been very difficult to calculate by hand. Today,
with modern technology and new engineering practices, completing a vortex shedding
analysis is a valuable tool used in the design of tall equipment and structures.

Why does Vortex Shedding Matter?

The frequency of the vortices is dependent on the shape of the blunt body, and the velocity of
the fluid flow or wind hitting this body. The vortices create low pressure zones on the
downwind side of the object on alternate sides. As the fluid flows to fill the low pressure zone,

it produces a vibration at a specific calculable frequency. This vibration is only a major

concern if it happens to coincide with the natural frequency of the structure. For structures
that are tall and uniform in size and shape, the vibrations can be damaging and ultimately lead
to fatigue failure. Masts or towers are highly susceptible to vibrations induced by vortex
shedding. By completing a vortex shedding analysis of structures under realistic wind
loading, engineers can evaluate whether more efficient structures can and should be
developed.

How to Calculate Vortex Shedding:

Step 1: Determine the Strouhal number
The vortex street frequency is calculated using the Reynolds number (which describes the
fluid flow characteristics) and the Strouhal number (which describes the oscillations of a
fluid). The Reynolds number is calculated using viscosity, density, flow velocity, and some
geometry from the object in the fluid. It is calculated over a range of flow speeds (or wind
velocities). The Strouhal number is then calculated from those Reynolds numbers, although
for laminar flow situations a Strouhal of 0.2 is often used. The frequency of the vortex street
is then calculated using the Strouhal number, the width of the body, and the flow speed. It is
helpful to chart this calculation over a range of wind speeds.

The relationship of wind speed vs. vortex shedding frequency of three mast structures
Step 2: Find the natural frequencies of the mechanical system
Many times, especially in the case of derrick/mast design or bridges, the structure in question
can have a complex geometry of gussets, cross members and varying thickness and material.
In the past, finding the correct mathematical model of such a structure in order to find the
natural frequency would be difficult and inaccurate. Today, with the advancement of
technology and engineering practice, calculating the natural frequency can be done fairly
efficiently. Sparta Engineering exclusively uses SolidWorks 3D CAD software to model
projects. When it comes time to do an analysis such as determining if vortex shedding is a
problem or not, the geometry is already in the computer ready for analysis. A Finite Element

Analysis software such as SolidWorks Simulation Package, can be used to calculate the
natural frequency of a very complex system. The output of such analysis is the frequencies of
each harmonic (usually only the first 5 are applicable), the displacement caused by the
vibration, as well as a graphical representation of the deflection.
Step 3: Comparing Natural frequencies to calculated frequencies
Now that we have the natural frequencies of the mechanical system from the simulation
software, we can compare these frequencies to those calculated in step 1. If the natural
frequency from the computer model line up to the frequencies calculated in stage 1 and the
wind speed scenarios, it is highly likely you could have a problem. It is important to apply
sound engineering judgment at this stage when interpreting the results. The formulas used in
this calculation are only good for a certain rage of wind speeds and to some degree are based
on experimental data. The accuracy of the analysis also depends on how accurate of a model
you chose to do your analysis with. If you decide there is a problem or just want to be on the
safe side there are several steps you can take in order to prevent vortex shedding.
Step 4: Fixing the problem
There are three main approaches that can be applied to prevent the structural failure from
vortex shedding. The simplest is to address the fluid flow and create a disturbance on the
structure so that the vortex street cannot form. This is commonly done by adding a spiral at
the top of the structure (but any change to the body that disrupts the vortex would work).
Another method is to design the structure itself so the natural frequencies are outside the
operating frequencies. This can be done by varying the cross-section along the length of the
structure or by adding or changing supports. There are also dynamic systems such as
dampeners that can successfully be applied to absorb vibration.
While vortex shedding is a common phenomenon that can lead to structural failure, it is one
that is often overlooked because of the complexity of modeling the situation correctly. Using
the steps outlined above, vibrational problems can be easily identified and a few hypothesis
can be tested. Design changes can be made before any real problem arises. The key point to
remember is if you are designing a tall slender mechanical system exposed to wind loading,
make sure the engineer is considering vortex shedding vibrations and conducts the
appropriate analysis.

Spirals added to chimneys to prevent vortex shedding

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