Aerodynamic Instability of Suspension Bridges

A general linearized analytical theory for the flutter of suspension bridge decks under uniform steady wind is presented. In this theory, the essential aerodynamic forces are presumed to be obtained, in real coefficient form from wind tunnel tests on section models, as explained in an earlier paper by the same authors. In light of the theory given and the experimental observations reported in the writers' previous paper, the following questions are critically examined: (1) The present state of suspension bridge flutter studies; (2) the exact representativeness of bridge section models; (3) the general inapplicability of airfoil aerodynamics to bridge flutter; (4) a critique of forced resonance, autorotation theory, and (5) Dicker's theory as applied to bridge aerodynamic instability. An extensive bibliography of the subject matter is appended.