Aeroelastic flutter
Definition
A self-reinforcing oscillation in which a structure's motion modifies the aerodynamic forces acting on it in a way that amplifies the motion further, until structural limits are exceeded. Different from resonance, which requires a matching excitation frequency.
Related terms
- Carbonation-induced corrosion
- Steel corrosion driven by CO2 absorption into concrete, which reduces the pore-water pH from about 13 to below 9, destroying the passive...
- Hanger rod assembly
- The rod-and-nut connection that transfers a walkway beam's load upward to a suspension point. The Hyatt Regency failure occurred because a two-rod...
- Load path change
- An alteration during design or construction that modifies which structural elements carry which loads. Unrecognised load path changes are among the most...
- Prestressed concrete stay
- A structural cable or member in which high-strength steel tendons are tensioned within a concrete encasement. The Ponte Morandi stays used this...
- Torsional oscillation
- Twisting motion of a bridge deck about its longitudinal axis, the mode responsible for the catastrophic final phase of the Tacoma Narrows...
Explained in
- Case Studies: Bridge CollapsesA self-reinforcing oscillation in which a structure's motion modifies the aerodynamic forces acting on it in a way that amplifies the motion further, until str...