An Advanced Numerical Framework of the Pseudo-Three-Dimensional Vortex Particle Method for Aeroelastic Analysis and Design Optimisation of Structures

• Applicants: Dr.-Ing. Samir Chawdhury; Professor Dr.-Ing. Guido Morgenthal
• Subject Area: Applied Mechanics, Statics and Dynamics ; Structural Engineering, Building Informatics and Construction Operation
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 571011941

The accurate prediction of wind–structure interaction (WSI) is crucial for the design of advanced structures to meet serviceability requirements and prevent potential failure. The successful completion of several past DFG projects provided several numerical advancements towards the Pseudo-Three-Dimensional Vortex Particle Method (Pseudo-3D VPM) for aeroelastic analysis long-span bridges and tall building structures. The main objective of this knowledge transfer project is to systemise the capabilities of the Pseudo-3D VPM and to develop a highly flexible, generalised and efficient numerical modelling framework to enable parametric investigations and automatic design optimisation of structures subjected to dynamic wind excitation. The envisaged simulation framework aims to generalise the modelling of structural systems, the wind field and the performance criteria to unify the analysis such that it predicts the dynamic response to all of the most relevant excitation phenomena, allow complex structural geometries and assemblies of structural components to be modelled and to quantify the response with respect to manifold performance criteria. By adopting a quasi-analysis-agnostic approach, the framework will enable efficient definition of system and wind model characteristics as well as of target response quantities and ensure transparent data handling, consistent numerical simulation and systematic documentation of analysis results. As part of the method developments, it is intended to enhance the modelling of turbulent winds with anisotropic and height-varying turbulence properties, considering adaptive concepts of particle generation to increase computational efficiency of the VPM. Furthermore, proposed new extensions of the WSI model will dramatically expand the application range of the Pseudo-3D VPM implementation as it will permit the analysis of aerodynamic response of individual line-like structural elements while considering their mutual interactions and their influence on the overall dynamic response of the structure. The numerical methods and their advancements will be validated and optimised for effective computational analyses in the context of solving complex analysis problems in practical design applications. In this context, valuable reference structures, measurement data and design experience will be provided by two industry partners and integrated into the research process. Iterative feedback loops will enable continuous refinement and enhancement of the numerical framework, resulting in a suitable and reliable tool for the numerical analysis of bridge and tall building projects based on performance-based wind design concepts.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants (Transfer Project)
• Application Partner: Buro Happold GmbH; Wacker Ingenieure GmbH