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Freeway Wind Analysis

Freeway Wind Analysis

Freeway Wind Analysis

(OP)
This is a difficult subject since it is very specific has any one come a crossed any information on modeling or data on the wind analysis for the wind created by moving vehicles. Specifically need to look at what happens in the center median and the edges. Looking at all freeways and highways nation wide.

RE: Freeway Wind Analysis

What specifically are you looking for, wind or pattern?

The US bridge codes and one of the eurocodes on loading  include methods of calculating the wind pressure from moving vehicles and trains. If this is not exactly what you are looking for then you may try finding out what their references are.

RE: Freeway Wind Analysis

(OP)
I need to support the existence of turbulence along in the center median, created by vehicles, to see if solid barriers create wind resistance for vehicles traveling along them. I look into the bridge codes by I am thinking they will only have perpendicular or near perp. applications though.

RE: Freeway Wind Analysis

I wouldn't be surprised if race team aerodynamicists have investigated the effects of vehicles moving near the crash walls. If they found anything that might imply a competitive advantage, they probably won't publish.

     "...students of traffic are beginning to realize the false economy of mechanically controlled traffic, and hand work by trained officers will again prevail." - Wm. Phelps Eno, ca. 1928

RE: Freeway Wind Analysis

If the racer got too close to the crash wall wouldn't his car get sucked in against the wall?  Wouldn't this be a turbulent event.

RE: Freeway Wind Analysis

Have you tried the transportation research database? http://trid.trb.org/

NASCAR and Indy drivers spend much of their lives at speeds close to 200 mph within a few feet of walls. If there is a suction effect, it is small enough to counteract with the steering.
 

     "...students of traffic are beginning to realize the false economy of mechanically controlled traffic, and hand work by trained officers will again prevail." - Wm. Phelps Eno, ca. 1928

RE: Freeway Wind Analysis

(OP)
That is a true statement, however cars have the aerodynamics of an elephant compared to an Indy car. They are stream lined to allow the air pass and create a vortex behind them. I believe the disturbance that they create is not a strong vacuum at all since they allow the air to pass over the car. I will look at that database though, thanks!

RE: Freeway Wind Analysis

In the UK this is referred to as 'downdraft'. I looked into this about 10 years ago (specifically large vehicle/cyclist interaction). There was some literature, but not a great deal at the time.

RE: Freeway Wind Analysis

(OP)
I guess first step to this problem is to get the aerodynamics of cars down first before I can start to model it in traffic due to the lack of public information. Anyone have a good source of multiple car aerodynamic information?  

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