A computational model to calculate the flow-induced pressure fluctuations on buildings

A computational model to predict the flow-induced pressure fluctuation on bluff bodies is presented. Unlike direct and large-eddy simulation, the present model employs a stochastic model to generate plausible velocity fluctuations (synthetic turbulence) that satisfy the mean turbulent quantities such as turbulent kinetic energy (k) and dissipation energy rate (ε). This model has three main components: (1) prediction of mean flow quantities by solving the 3D Navier-Stokes equations using the standard k-ε model with Kato and Launder modifications; (2) generating a synthetic turbulent velocity field using a stochastic model and finally (3) solving the Poisson equation that governs the pressure fluctuations field. Flow around the low-rise building at Texas Tech was analyzed using the developed model. Two different wind angles of attack are considered for the analysis. Results obtained using the developed model are compared with wind tunnel and field measurements. The computed rms values for pressure fluctuations show good agreement with the experimental results.