Bridge 3D Flutter Stability Analysis

The critical flutter speed of the bridge is found including 3D aerodynamics, coupled modes, and added mass effects. Allows refinements in a bridges predicted flutter speed by removing some of the conservatism imbedded into the Sectional Model Study. The 3D Flutter Stability Analysis is the most precise theoretical method currently available for estimation of critical flutter speeds of long-span bridges. In this analysis the Aerodynamic Derivative (Scanlan coefficients) theoretical model is used.

An alternative to the theoretical 3D Flutter Stability Analysis would be to undertake an Aeroelastic Model Study.

3D flutter analysis – wind speed vs. total damping

Critical flutter mode – coupling of lateral & torsion