The effect of section model details on aeroelastic parameters

In the five decades since the flutter-induced failure of the Tacoma Narrows bridge, understanding of the physical mechanisms at work has advanced. On the one hand, numerical modeling capability, most notably through the finite element method, and developments in the theory of random vibration have contributed; on the other hand, wind tunnel modeling remains of central importance relative to long-span bridges. The results presented herein indicate the critical dependence of the aeroelastic behavior on even minor details such as a deck railing. These particular observations have important general implications for both 2-D and 3-D modeling. The paper examines a particular problem of details in some depth to emphasize its importance.