Spatial Wind Flow Load and Shape Optimization for Folding Grid Shell Buildings

Wind-related disasters have emerged as a significant natural threat to humanity. This heightened concern necessitates careful consideration of the aerodynamic intricacies inherent in the surface characteristics of foldable reticulated shell houses, with particular attention paid to the substantial influence of wind loads. The objective of this study is to examine the spatial properties of foldable lattice shell houses through the establishment of a numerical wind tunnel model and subsequent simulations. The paper begins with an introduction to the CFD method, outlining its operational procedure. It further deduces the physical conservation principles governing mass and momentum, thereby establishing the relevant control equations. Additionally, the analysis encompasses the application of non-equilibrium wall conditions for the accurate calculation of building surface and ground wall motion and force characteristics. Finally, numerical simulations are performed on the foldable lattice shell house space, offering an effective tool and methodology for investigating wind pressure distribution and its implications. Through comparative analysis, it was determined that the optimized plan 18 with a rise-to-span ratio of 1/3, an end door inclination of 45°, and an end door height of 1/4 had better wind resistance performance. This plan reduced the gap between positive and negative pressure zones, improved the uniformity of surface wind pressure distribution, and weakened the wind loads’ impact on the house. The research results indicated that reducing the rise-to-span ratio, end door inclination angle, and end door height can effectively improve the wind resistance performance of foldable lattice shell houses. The research on wind-induced response, numerical wind tunnel simulation, and shape optimization of foldable reticulated shell structures has certain innovation, and has important theoretical significance and engineering application value for the development of new camping foldable reticulated shells and wind resistance design of similar light houses.