Scientists at Novosibirsk State Technical University (NSTU) continue to develop research area related to the prevention of aeroelastic vibrations of bridge spans and their elements, and propose developments to ensure structural stability.
The Department of Aerohydrodynamics of NSTU-NETI has been successfully solving problems related to the stability of bridge spans in the wind flow for more than thirty years. According to the head of the department, Professor Sergey Salenko, Doctor of Technical Sciences, it has long been known that even with a wind speed of only 12-15 m/s, dangerous vibrations of superstructures can occur. A similar problem was encountered, for example, on the bridges in Barnaul and Volgograd.
"Scientists all over the world are engaged in solving this problem. After a series of studies on schematic devices in a wind tunnel, we proposed special dampers (flaps, spoilers) as a solution to the problem, which destroy the "Pocket path" — a regular chain of vortices that occur when flowing around the bridge structure, and ensure the stability of the entire structure," said Sergey Salenko.
The devices developed at the Department of Aerohydrodynamics have already proven their effectiveness on many full-scale bridge spans. In 2025, dampers were developed that bridge builders will use during the installation of the second stage of the bridge in Volgograd, as well as for the suspensions of the arch bridge in operation, which often experience aeroelastic vibrations. According to Alexander Obukhovsky, Deputy head of the Department of Aerohydrodynamics, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor, the flaps will eliminate the vibrations of the suspensions and ensure the safety of operation of the structure weighing several thousand tons. Currently, devices for damping wind-induced vibrations of bridge suspensions are undergoing a patenting procedure.
"For different bridges, the shape and location of the flaps are individual — they are selected experimentally during wind tunnel purges. As a result, aeroelastic vibrations are practically eliminated, and, accordingly, cracks and fatigue damage do not occur in the structure," explained Alexander Obukhovsky, adding that scientists are conducting a planned recertification of the T-503 wind tunnel at NSTU-NETI.