Cylindrical Pneumatic Membrane Structures Subject to Wind

Because a pneumatic membrane structure is usually flexible, the wind load on it must be determined by considering the interaction between the wind and the structure. This interaction was analyzed with the introduction of wind models. A few flow pattern models concerning a high Reynolds number, including separated flow and the wake, were proposed and applied to rigid cylinders. Numerical results of one of the models show quite good agreement with Roshko's experimental results. Then, with the application of this flow model to the membrane structure, the interaction system was analyzed. Design charts of wind pressure distribution, deflections and stresses of the membrane are presented for several design parameters.