Aeroelasticity of tensile fabric structures from computational fluid-structure interaction

Tensile fabric structures are increasingly prevalent in civil engineering due to their aesthetic versatility and lightweight nature; however, their susceptibility to aerodynamic instabilities poses significant challenges for safe and efficient design. This study introduces an advanced computational framework that couples Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to investigate the aeroelastic behavior of fabric structures under wind loading, offering a novel approach to address these challenges. Through a meticulously validated fluid-structure interaction (FSI) methodology, the framework employs vortex-induced vibration (VIV) simulations to confirm expected shedding frequencies and lock-in phenomena, aligning closely with established literature trends. Applied to a pre-tensioned fabric panel, the methodology identifies a critical pre-tension level that ensures structural stability at typical wind velocities, effectively mitigating dynamic instabilities. At higher velocities, the panel exhibits pronounced vibrational modes, characterized by a transition from moving waves to a standing wave pattern over time, driven by vortex shedding and flutter. As a foundational study, it underscores the need for further research into advanced constitutive models, particularly those addressing viscoelastic properties and creep behavior, to better simulate the long-term performance of fabric materials in real-world conditions, thus paving the way for safer and more resilient structural designs.