Wind, Volume 5, Issue 4 (December 2025) – 6 articles

Bridges, as critical transportation infrastructure, are highly vulnerable to aerodynamic forces, particularly vortex-induced vibrations (VIV), which severely compromise their structural integrity and operational safety. These low-frequency, high-amplitude vibrations are a primary challenge to serviceability and fatigue life. Ensuring the resilience of these structures demands advanced understanding and robust mitigation strategies. This paper comprehensively addresses the multifaceted challenges of bridge aerodynamics, presenting an in-depth analysis of contemporary testing methodologies and innovative solutions. We critically examine traditional wind tunnel modeling, elucidating its advantages and inherent limitations, such as scale effects, Reynolds number dependence, and boundary interference, which can lead to inaccurate predictions of aerodynamic forces and vibration amplitudes. This scale discrepancy is critical, as demonstrated by peak pressure coefficients being underestimated by up to 64% in smaller-scale wind tunnel environments compared to high-Reynolds-number open-jet testing. To overcome these challenges, the paper details the efficacy of open-jet testing at facilities like the Windstorm Impact, Science, and Engineering (WISE) Laboratory, demonstrating its superior capability in replicating realistic atmospheric boundary layer flow conditions and enabling larger-scale, high-Reynolds-number testing for more accurate insights into bridge behavior under dynamic wind loads. Furthermore, we explore the design principles and applications of various aerodynamic mitigation devices, including handrails, windshields, guide vanes, and spoilers, which are essential for altering airflow patterns and suppressing vortex-induced vibrations. The paper critically investigates the innovative integration of green energy solutions, specifically solar panels, with bridge structures. This study presents the application of solar panel arrangements to provide both renewable energy production and verifiable aerodynamic mitigation. This strategic incorporation is shown not only to harness renewable energy but also to actively improve aerodynamic performance and mitigate wind-induced vibrations, thereby fostering both bridge safety and sustainable infrastructure development. Unlike previous studies focusing primarily on wind loads on PV arrays, this work demonstrates how the specific geometric integration of solar panels can serve as an active aerodynamic mitigation device for bridge decks. This dual functionality—harnessing renewable energy while simultaneously serving as a passive geometric countermeasure to vortex-induced vibrations—marks a novel advancement over single-purpose mitigation technologies. Through this interdisciplinary approach, the paper seeks to advance bridge engineering towards more resilient, efficient, and environmentally responsible solutions. Full article

In anticipation of the implementation of the Second-Generation Eurocodes, evaluating the suitability of these standards is necessary to ensure the structural safety and sustainable design of Ireland’s future building stock. This paper provides a detailed comparative analysis of the wind loading codes of practice relevant to Ireland: The Irish National Annex to EN1991-1-4 (2005) and the draft version of the Second-Generation Eurocode, EN1991-1-4 (2025). Quantitative evaluation is conducted across a range of building typologies, with calculations performed for various sites and structural geometries. The findings reveal marked differences in wind load predictions between the codes, particularly affecting base shear values and net pressure coefficients. Areas of concern regarding structural design efficiency and safety for future building structures in Ireland are outlined. The significant inconsistencies between provisions within the codes of practice are identified and critically evaluated from both theoretical and practical perspectives, providing insight into the optimal solution for implementation in Irish engineering practice. Full article

This article presents a methodology for the synthesis of horizontal-axis wind turbines operating on the principle of lift. The profile geometry is synthesized using the Vortex–source distribution method following Glauert’s approach. The blade shape is developed using the Blade Element Momentum Theory. Efficiency is determined with Computational Fluid Dynamics. The methodology uses a multifactor numerical experiment, with the objective function defined as maximizing lift-to-drag ratio of the blade profile. Validation of the obtained power curves is performed with QBlade and XFoil and confirmed experimentally on a laboratory test bench. The proposed methodology demonstrates improved accuracy in predicting the power coefficient and the optimal operation regime of horizontal-axis wind turbines at low Reynolds numbers. Full article

Windborne debris generated during tornadoes and hurricanes plays a critical role in building damage. This damage occurs either through direct impact on structural and nonstructural components or indirectly by increasing internal pressure when debris penetrates openings (e.g., windows and doors) or creates new ones. These breaches can significantly raise internal pressure, even at lower wind speeds compared to debris-free conditions. Current provisions in ASCE 7, the nationally adopted standard for wind load calculations in the United States, account for factors such as building geometry, location, and exposure category. However, they do not consider the effects of windborne debris on internal pressure coefficients. This study proposes an enhancement to ASCE 7 by incorporating debris effects through the use of a more conservative enclosure classification. Real-world damage observations from three tornado-impacted residential buildings are presented, followed by a failure mechanism analysis, supporting analytical fragility data, and numerical simulations of debris effects on building damage. The findings suggest that treating buildings as Partially Enclosed under ASCE 7 can more accurately reflect debris-induced internal pressures and improve building resilience under extreme wind events. Full article

This study investigates the topology optimisation of a composite wind turbine blade with the objective of improving its structural performance under static and dynamic constraints. Two distinct optimisation strategies—based on static deformation limits and modal frequency enhancement—are employed to achieve mass reduction while maintaining or improving mechanical performance. The optimisation process incorporates modal characterisation of the first ten natural frequencies and a detailed static stress analysis. Results indicate that the optimised designs achieve a notable increase in the fundamental natural frequency of the blade—from 2.32 Hz to 2.99 Hz—and reduce the overall mass by approximately 49%, lowering it from 4.55 × 10⁵ kg to around 2.34 × 10⁵ kg compared to the original configuration. In particular, the optimised geometry offers improved stiffness and a more uniform stress distribution, especially in the flapwise bending and torsional modes. Higher-order torsional frequencies remain well-separated from typical excitation sources, minimising resonance risks. These findings highlight the effectiveness of constraint-driven topology optimisation in enhancing structural performance and reducing material usage in wind turbine blade design. Full article

Mexico holds significant potential for wind energy development, owing to its strategic geographic location and extensive coastlines. This review article systematically explores the technical, environmental, and economic aspects of wind energy in five different climatic zones in Mexico, reviewing potential zones for wind energy development, with the focus on the key case studies, ongoing project, and wind power performance metrics. It also critically examines the key challenges and opportunities within Mexico’s wind energy portfolio, with a focus on social, economic, environmental, and regulatory dimensions that influence the sector’s development and long-term sustainability. The results indicate that Oaxaca leads Mexico’s onshore wind potential with a power density of 761 W/m², followed by strong resources in Tamaulipas and Baja California, where wind speeds exceed 6 m/s. For offshore wind potential, Isthmus of Tehuantepec demonstrates outstanding offshore potential, with wind power densities exceeding 1000 W/m² and wind speeds above 8 m/s. Major challenges include inconsistent or unclear governmental policies regarding renewable energy incentives, regulatory uncertainties, and social resistance from local communities concerned about environmental impacts and land use. These obstacles underline the need for integrated, transparent policies and inclusive engagement strategies to carry out the full potential of wind energy in Mexico. Full article