Author
Levitz, Benjamin
Other Contributors
Letchford, C. W.; Symans, Michael D.; O'Rourke, Michael J.;
Date Issued
2014-08
Subject
Civil engineering
Degree
MS;
Terms of Use
This electronic version is a licensed copy owned by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY. Copyright of original work retained by author.;
Abstract
While understanding of external flows and pressures for tornadoes are improving, internal pressure behavior remains elusive. This study was performed with the intention to observe how internal pressures change as a tornado passes over a structure with a dominant opening, and determine whether Helmholtz resonator model is applicable for buildings immersed in tornado-like flow. Both scale model tests and a numerical study were performed to provide an insight into the behavior of internal pressures.; The results from this study indicate that generally, internal pressures for a building with a dominant opening are the result of a combination of the dynamic pressure acting on the opening, and the pressure trough of the vortex core, while buildings with a dominant opening are subjected to greater roof loads then buildings without a dominant opening. Comparisons of the measured pressures suggest that a Helmholtz resonator model is adequate for modeling internal pressures by producing similar pressures.; The experiment involved using the VorTech tornado simulator at Texas Tech University to obtain scale model pressure data from a building model with a dominant opening and background porosity, and comparing the results those produced by a numerical model.; Tornadoes are powerful and destructive phenomena that affect many people all over the world. They can generate some of the fastest wind speeds on the planet, and destroy very robust structures. Any structure with an opening under extreme wind conditions will experience a two pronged attack: external pressures generated by the flow over the building envelope, as well as internal pressures generated by the flow passing through one or more openings in the structure.;
Description
August 2014; School of Engineering
Department
Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering;
Publisher
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
Relationships
Rensselaer Theses and Dissertations Online Collection;
Access
Restricted to current Rensselaer faculty, staff and students. Access inquiries may be directed to the Rensselaer Libraries.;