This paper presents an interaction problem of a half cylinder membrane structure and the viscous flow around it. The flow fields are numerically solved by the Navier-Stokes (NS) equation method. The unsteady incompressible 2D-NS and continuity equations are solved by a time marching numerical scheme. Finite element method (FEM) considering large deflection effect with membrane finite element is used to estimate the elastic characteristics of the membrane. In this paper, the vortexinduced vibration is reproduced in the numerical computation and significant influences of the unsteady aeroelastic behavior are confirmed.
Membrane structure is characterized by its structural simplicity and movability offered by its lightness. These are advantages related to the fact that the wide space can easily be secured with low construction cost. For example, a sports dome and a multipurpose hall are classified as membrane structures which have become possible at the advent of synthetic fiber and glass fiber. In addition, the advantage remains undiminished in other membrane manufactures such as sails, balloons, airships, parachute and even umbrellas. However, these membrane structures or manufactures have some supports to keep the forms. Actually, the weakness of the membrane structure to the external force is a disadvantage comparing with rigid structures such as concrete buildings. Therefore, important factors in designing the membrane structures are accurate prediction and controls of the influences of the external force such as wind, snow and the water pressure. Furthermore, research of the interaction problem of the membrane structure and the external force is required in many engineering fields.
