Numerical Component
Computes the required structural response and advances the numerical solution at each time step.
Receives measured moments Mₘ₁, Mₘ₂
University of Toronto · PhD Research
Real-Time Aeroelastic Hybrid Simulation of a Base-Pivoting Building Model in a Wind Tunnel
This research developed and experimentally validated a real-time closed-loop hybrid simulation framework that integrates a numerical structural model with a physical wind-tunnel experiment. The system reproduces coupled aeroelastic response through two orthogonal linear actuators, a base-pivoting mechanism, measured force and displacement feedback, and real-time delay compensation.
Conceptual framework
Three components. One real-time closed-loop system.
The numerical model and physical wind-tunnel experiment exchange information continuously through the real-time communication and control system. Commanded actuator displacements move from the numerical model to the physical system, while measured physical response is returned to update the numerical solution at every time step.
COMMAND PATH · commanded actuator displacements →
Communication & Control
Applies delay compensation, generates actuator commands and coordinates real-time exchange between the numerical and physical systems.
Commands uₚ₁, uₚ₂ · Feedback uₘ₁, uₘ₂
Physical Wind-Tunnel Component
Uses the building model, pivoting mechanism, two orthogonal linear motors, load cells and encoders to reproduce and measure the response.
Measures Fₘ₁, Fₘ₂ and uₘ₁, uₘ₂
← FEEDBACK PATH · measured physical response
Numerical model → Controller → Physical systemPhysical system → Controller → Numerical model
How it works
Closed-loop real-time simulation workflow.
The detailed figure below is the approved technical workflow for the system and is presented unchanged.
Experimental setup
The physical system behind the simulation.
The building model is located above the wind-tunnel floor. The actuator and pivoting system is installed below the floor, where two orthogonal linear motors provide vertical actuator motions that are converted into rotational motion of the building model.
Wind-Tunnel Building Model
Physical building model positioned in the test section to interact directly with the wind field while the hybrid simulation reproduces the required structural motion.
Below-Floor Actuator & Pivoting System
Actual top view of the common frame, pivoting mechanism and orthogonal actuator arrangement used to impose the commanded motions.
Key research contributions
What the research developed
- A real-time closed-loop hybrid simulation framework for aeroelastic wind-tunnel testing.
- Integration of a numerical structural model with a physical wind-tunnel substructure through real-time command and feedback signals.
- A base-pivoting physical system driven by two orthogonal linear actuators.
- Delay-compensation strategy using measured encoder displacements to maintain stable real-time operation.
- Force feedback through load cells and conversion of measured force to base moment using the pivoting arm.
- Experimental reproduction of coupled along-wind and cross-wind aeroelastic response.
Research outcomes
What the framework demonstrates
Real-time operationNumerical and physical components exchange data continuously at each time step.
Coupled responseThe physical system reproduces motion in two orthogonal wind-response directions.
Measured feedbackLoad cells measure forces and encoders measure actuator displacements.
Physical validationThe method combines computational modeling with direct wind-tunnel interaction.
Additional research
Structural dynamics, seismic engineering & bridge assessment.
University of British Columbia · MASc
Shape-Memory-Alloy Reinforced-Concrete Frames
Analytical investigation of reinforced-concrete frames incorporating shape-memory-alloy reinforcement under extreme loading.
Applied engineering research
Bridge Dynamics, Load Testing & Asset Decisions
Applying analytical models, field measurements and structural assessment to reduce uncertainty in rehabilitation, strengthening and asset-management decisions.