A physical modeler's view of Computational Wind Engineering

A Panel Discussion was held at CWE2010 to promote a conversation on the topic of how Computational Wind Engineering (CWE) can become a commonplace tool in the various subdisciplines of wind engineering (structural loading, dispersion, sediment transport, ventilation and wind power) to complement, and eventually replace, physical modeling. Where may CWE be confidently used currently? What further development and validation, as opposed to calibration, of CWE is needed to result in its viable future? The authors have seen the slow merging of computational and physical modeling in recent years in hybrid practical applications. Physical modeling went through some decades of validation, focusing on full-scale pressures, loads and top-floor accelerations, to gain increased confidence in the small-scale modeling of buildings and structures in a boundary-layer wind tunnel. Such studies in the wind tunnel have their well-known and quantified discrepancies, but at least the practitioners know what is reasonably doable and what is not (some good examples may be found in Surry Ho and Kopp, 2003). Perhaps it is time for CWE to move down a similar path, using the experience of the physical modelers as a guide in its evolution. As with any advancement in technology, the economics and analytical rigor of CWE are what will determine its ultimate success.