The Effect of Building Geometry Upon Intensity of Aircraft Induced Wake Vortex Structural Encounters

Presented in the following work are the results of high-fidelity numerical simulation of the encounter between aircraft wake vortices and a simplified residential structure. Through assessment of the induced pressure load on the roof surface, the potential for tile dislodgement as a result of wake vortex exposure was evaluated for a variety of cases. Upon varying the pitch of the roof, the magnitude of the transferred pressure load was found to increase for steeper roof designs, reaching a maximum value at a slope of 45°. The influence of atmospheric turbulence upon the encounter was investigated via propagation of wake vortices through two differing turbulent environments. In strongly turbulent atmospheric conditions, contact between the wake vortex and the roof surface was found to occur at an earlier period, compared to results obtained within a more neutral environment. Pressure loading, however, was found to be reduced as a result of increased wake vortex decay arising from interactions with atmospheric eddies. The results, therefore, suggest that buildings designed with steep pitch angles are at the highest risk of wake vortex attributed damage due to aircraft overflights, particularly on calm days.