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If you are designing a tall, slender, structure and it is subject to wind (such as a derrick/mast or
communication tower), you need to consider vortex shedding.

In this post we cover:

3 Tips That Will Help Your
What is vortex shedding? Business set up its new
Engineering Department
Why does vortex shedding matter?
(https://www.spartaengineering.com
How to calculate vortex shedding? /3-tips-that-will-help-your-
business-set-up-its-new-
engineering-department/)

Vortex shedding happens when wind hits a structure, causing alternating vorticies to form at a How does Cold Weather
certain frequency. This in turn causes the system to excite and produce a vibrational Climates Affect the
load. Historically, it has been very difficult to calculate by hand. Today, with modern technology Performance of Steel
and new engineering practices, completing a vortex shedding analysis is a valuable tool used in Equipment?
the design of tall equipment and structures. (https://www.spartaengineering.com
/how-does-cold-weather-
climates-affect-the-
performance-of-steel-
The frequency of the vortices is dependent on the shape of the blunt body, and the velocity of the
equipment/)
fluid flow or wind hitting this body. The vortices create low pressure zones on the downwind side
of the object on alternate sides. As the fluid flows to fill the low pressure zone, it produces a Do I Need to
vibration at a specific calculable frequency. This vibration is only a major concern if it happens to Disassemble my Mobile
coincide with the natural frequency of the structure. For structures that are tall and uniform in
Crane Boom Every 10
size and shape, the vibrations can be damaging and ultimately lead to fatigue failure. Masts or
Years for a Crane
towers are highly susceptible to vibrations induced by vortex shedding. By completing a vortex
shedding analysis of structures under realistic wind loading, engineers can evaluate Inspection?

whether more efficient structures can and should be developed. (https://www.spartaengineering.com

/do-i-need-to-
disassemble-my-mobile-
crane-boom-every-10-
Step 1: Determine the Strouhal number years-for-a-crane-
The vortex street frequency is calculated using the Reynolds number (which describes the fluid inspection/)
flow characteristics) and the Strouhal number (which describes the oscillations of a fluid). The
Reynolds number is calculated using viscosity, density, flow velocity, and some geometry from 3 Advantages of
the object in the fluid. It is calculated over a range of flow speeds (or wind velocities). The Designing Mobile
Strouhal number is then calculated from those Reynolds numbers, although for laminar flow Equipment with High
situations a Strouhal of 0.2 is often used. The frequency of the vortex street is then calculated Tensile Plate Steel
using the Strouhal number, the width of the body, and the flow speed. It is helpful to chart this (https://www.spartaengineering.com
calculation over a range of wind speeds.
/3-advantages-of-
designing-mobile-
equipment-with-high-
tensile-plate-steel/)

The relationship of wind speed vs. vortex shedding frequency of three mast

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Vortex Shedding & Tall Structures – The Uncertainties of Wind Loadin... https://www.spartaengineering.com/vortex-shedding-and-tall-structures/
structures

Step 2: Find the natural frequencies of the mechanical system

Many times, especially in the case of derrick/mast design (https://www.spartaengineering.com

/high-tensile-steel-mast/) or bridges, the structure in question can have a complex geometry of
gussets, cross members and varying thickness and material. In the past, finding the correct
mathematical model of such a structure in order to find the natural frequency would be difficult
and inaccurate. Today, with the advancement of technology and engineering practice, calculating
the natural frequency can be done fairly efficiently. Sparta Engineering exclusively
uses SolidWorks 3D CAD (https://www.spartaengineering.com/solidworks-camera-view-tutorial/)
software to model projects. When it comes time to do an analysis such as determining if vortex
shedding is a problem or not, the geometry is already in the computer ready for analysis. A Finite
Element Analysis software such as SolidWorks’ Simulation Package (https://www.solidworks.com
/sw/products/simulation/packages.htm), can be used to calculate the natural frequency of a very
complex system. The output of such analysis is the frequencies of each harmonic (usually only
the first 5 are applicable), the displacement caused by the vibration, as well as a graphical
representation of the deflection.

Step 3: Comparing Natural frequencies to calculated frequencies

Now that we have the natural frequencies of the mechanical system from the simulation
software, we can compare these frequencies to those calculated in step 1. If the natural
frequency from the computer model line up to the frequencies calculated in stage 1 and the wind
speed scenarios, it is highly likely you could have a problem. It is important to apply sound
engineering judgment at this stage when interpreting the results. The formulas used in this
calculation are only good for a certain rage of wind speeds and to some degree are based on
experimental data. The accuracy of the analysis also depends on how accurate of a model you
chose to do your analysis with. If you decide there is a problem or just want to be on the safe
side there are several steps you can take in order to prevent vortex shedding.

Step 4: Fixing the problem

There are three main approaches that can be applied to prevent the structural failure from vortex
shedding. The simplest is to address the fluid flow and create a disturbance on the structure so
that the vortex street cannot form. This is commonly done by adding a spiral at the top of the
structure (but any change to the body that disrupts the vortex would work). Another method is to
design the structure itself so the natural frequencies are outside the operating frequencies. This
can be done by varying the cross-section along the length of the structure or by adding or
changing supports. There are also dynamic systems such as dampeners that can successfully
be applied to absorb vibration.

While vortex shedding is a common phenomenon that can lead to structural failure, it is one
that is often overlooked because of the complexity of modeling the situation correctly. Using the
steps outlined above, vibrational problems can be easily identified and a few hypothesis can be
tested. Design changes can be made before any real problem arises. The key point to remember
is if you are designing a tall slender mechanical system exposed to wind loading, make sure the
engineer is considering vortex shedding vibrations and conducts the appropriate analysis.

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons
/4/4f/Proserpine_Mill_-_January_2012.jpg)
Spirals added to chimneys to prevent vortex shedding

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