Model Studies of Wind Loads on Flat-Top Cylinders

Experimental results are presented for wind tunnel tests on a series of model cylinders of varying height-to-diameter ratio, where the cylinder is mounted on the floor of the tunnel in a significantly thick boundary layer. Cylinder heights were increased until no significant changed occurred in the pressure distribution on the flat top. Comparisons of results are made with existing literature and possible extrapolation of results to full scale are examined. Data for the two extreme cases of cylinder heights were analyzed numerically by use of a digital computer and equations for pressure distribution on the cylinder and flat top were obtained. The equations axe developed in a form most useful for subsequent shell stress and deformation analyses.