Recent advances, future application and challenges in nonlinear flutter theory of long span bridges

• Published in: Journal of wind engineering and industrial aerodynamics 2020-11, Vol.206, p.104307, Article 104307
• Main Authors: Zhu, Le-Dong, Gao, Guang-Zhong, Zhu, Qing
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Long span bridge; Mathematical model; Nonlinear flutter; Nonlinear flutter analysis; nonlinear self-excited forces; Performance-based flutter evaluation; Performance-based graded flutter fortification
• ISSN: 0167-6105; 1872-8197
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jweia.2020.104307

Polynomial-type mathematical models were presented to describe the nonlinear self-excited forces of nonlinear single degree of freedom (SDOF) torsional flutter of bluff bridge decks and nonlinear coupled flutter of streamline-like flat closed box bridge decks. A full bridge analysis method for nonlinear SDOF torsional flutter of long span bridges with bluff decks was then proposed based on the aeroelastic strip theory, and verified via wind tunnel test of full bridge aeroelastic model. A full bridge analysis method of nonlinear coupled flutter of long span bridges was also established based on the aeroelastic strip theory and an approximate linear complex-modal decomposition (ALCMD), and was applied then to the nonlinear coupled flutter analysis of a 688m main-span cable-stayed bridge. The analysis results show that behaviors of self-limiting and single-frequency oscillation of the nonlinear coupled flutter can be exhibited by using the proposed coupled flutter analysis approach. A new concept of performance-based graded evaluation and fortification criteria against flutter of long span bridges was then put forward for further discussions, which will possibly be an important and prosperous field of future applications of the nonlinear flutter theory. To this end, some challenging issues was discussed for further developing nonlinear flutter theory. •Presented polynomial-type mathematical models for describing the nonlinear self-excited forces of single DOF torsional flutter of bluff bridge decks as well as coupled flutter of streamline-like flat closed box bridge decks.•Established a full bridge analysis method of nonlinear single DOF torsional flutter of long span bridges with bluff decks based on the aeroelastic strip theory, and carried out the verification of this analysis method via wind tunnel test of full bridge aeroelastic model.•Established a full bridge analysis method of nonlinear coupled flutter of long span bridges based on the aeroelastic strip theory and an approximate linear complex-modal decomposition (ALCMD).•Put forward a new concept of performance-based graded evaluation and fortification criteria against flutter of long span bridges, which will possibly be an important and prosperous field of future application of the nonlinear flutter theory.•Discussed some challenging issues in the further improvement of the nonlinear flutter theory for implementing the performance-based graded evaluation and fortification criteria against flutter of