The Role of Corner Vortices in the Design of Structures

The sharp edges on bluff bodies (flat shapes) frequently cause the air flow around the bodies to separate and generate a vortex flow pattern which produces severe suction loadings in the separated flow region. This paper presents examples from full-scale flow studies around low-rise bluff bodied structures that illustrate the types of flow separation that can occur. The area of influence of the vortices generated from the edges of the buildings are assessed from surface pressure measurements; edge details can be used to mitigate against vortex generation.