Design and Wind-Induced Fatigue Analysis of a Dynamic Movable Sculpture in Coastal Environments: A Case Study of the Welcome Tower

This study focuses on the design, material selection, and wind-induced fatigue analysis of a dynamic movable sculpture atop the Welcome Tower at Yazhou Bay Bougainvillea Park in Sanya. The sculpture, consisting of eight movable leaves, is driven by a hydraulic system enabling it to assume five distinct shapes. Nickel-saving stainless steel (S22152/S32001) was chosen as the primary material due to its excellent corrosion resistance and strength, ensuring durability in the harsh coastal environment. The mechanical system is designed with a two-level lifting device, rotation system, and push-rod mechanism, allowing the leaves to perform functions such as rising, opening, closing, and rotating while minimizing mechanical load. Wind tunnel tests and numerical simulations were conducted to analyze the sculpture’s performance under wind loads. Using the rain-flow counting method and Miner’s linear fatigue accumulation theory, the study calculated stress amplitude and fatigue damage, finding that the most unfavorable fatigue life of the sculpture’s components is 380 years. This analysis demonstrates that the sculpture will not experience fatigue damage over its expected lifespan, providing valuable insights for the design of dynamic sculptures in coastal environments. The research integrates mechanical design, material selection, and fatigue analysis, ensuring the sculpture’s long-term stability and resistance to wind-induced fatigue.