Large-eddy simulations of the flow around a circular cylinder at a Reynolds number, based on cylinder diameter and free-stream velocity, $Re_D=2{\times}10^4$ are presented. Three different dynamic subgrid-scale models are used, viz. the dynamic eddy-viscosity model and two different mixed two-parameter models. The sensitivity to grid refinement in the spanwise and radial directions is systematically investigated. For the highest resolution considered, the effects of subgrid-scale modeling are also discussed in detail. In particular, it is shown that SGS modeling has a significant influence on the low-frequency modulations of the aerodynamics loads, which are related to significant changes in the near wake structure.

In this paper, the structural random response due to the turbulent boundary layer excitation is investigated. Using the mode shapes and natural frequencies of an undamped structural operator, a fully analytical model has been assembled. The auto and cross-spectral densities of kinematic quantities are so determined through exact analytical expansions. In order to reduce the computational costs associated with the needed number of modes, it has been tested an innovative methodology based on a scaling procedure. In fact, by using a reduced spatial domain and defining accordingly an augmented artificial damping, it is possible to get the same energy response with reduced computational costs. The item to be checked was the power spectral density of the displacement response for a flexural simply supported beam; the very simple structure was selected just to highlight the main characteristics of the technique. In principle, it can be applied successfully to any quantity derived from the modal operators. The criterion and the rule of scaling the domain are also presented, investigated and discussed. The obtained results are encouraging and they allow thinking successfully to the definition of procedure that could represent a bridge between modal and energy methods.

The classical two-degree-of-freedom (2-d-o-f) "sectional model" is of common use to study the dynamics of suspension bridges. It takes into account the first pair of vertical and torsional modes of the bridge and describes well global oscillations caused by wind actions on the deck, yielding very useful information on the overall behaviour and the aerodynamic and aeroelastic response; however, it does not consider relative oscillations between main cables and deck. On the contrary, the 4-d-o-f model described in the two Parts of this paper includes longitudinal deformability of the hangers (assumed linear elastic in tension and unable to react in compression) and thus allows to take into account not only global oscillations, but also relative oscillations between main cables and deck. In particular, when the hangers go slack, large nonlinear oscillations are possible; if the hangers remain taut, the oscillations remain small and essentially linear: the latter behaviour has been the specific object of Part I (Sepe and Augusti 2001), while the present Part II investigates the nonlinear behaviour (coexisting large and/or small amplitude oscillations) under harmonic actions on the cables and/or on the deck, such as might be generated by vortex shedding. Because of the discontinuities and strong nonlinearity of the governing equations, the response has been investigated numerically. The results obtained for sample values of mechanical and forcing parameters seems to confirm that relative oscillations cannot a priori be excluded for very long span bridges under wind-induced loads, and they can stimulate a discussion on the actual possibility of such phenomena.

The rain-wind induced vibration of stays is a phenomenon discovered recently and not well explained yet. As it is influenced by a wide range of physical parameters (cable size and shape, wind speed, direction and turbulence, rain intensity, material repellency and roughness, cable weight, damping and pre-strain), this peculiar phenomenon is difficult to reproduce in laboratory controlled conditions. A successful wind tunnel experimental campaign, in which some basic physical quantities were measured, allowed an extensive analysis as to identify the parameters of the rain-wind induced excitation. The unsteady pressure field and water thickness around a cable model were measured under rainy-excited conditions. The knowledge of those parameters provided helpful information about the air-flow around the cable and allowed to clarify the physical phenomenon which produces the excitation.

This paper presents a mechanical model of Rain-Wind Induced Vibration (RWIV) of stay cables. It is based on the physical interpretation of the phenomenon as given in Cosentino, et al. (2003, referred as Part I). The model takes into account all the main forces acting on cable, on the upper water rivulet (responsible of the excitation) and the cable-rivulet interaction. It is a simplified (cable cross-sectional and deterministic) representation of the actual (stochastic and three-dimensional) phenomenon. The cable is represented by its cross section and it is subjected to mechanical and aerodynamic (considering the rivulet influence) forces. The rivulet is supposed to oscillate along the cable circumference and it is subjected to inertial and gravity forces, pressure gradients and air-water-cable frictions. The model parameters are calibrated by fitting with experimental results. In order to validate the proposed model and its physical basis, different conditions (wind speed and direction, cable frequency, etc.) have been numerically investigated. The results, which are in very good agreement with the RWIV field observations, confirm the validity of the method and its engineering applicability (to evaluate the RWIV sensitivity of new stays or to retrofit the existing ones). Nevertheless, the practical use of the model probably requires a more accurate calibration of some parameters through new and specifically oriented wind tunnel tests.