U. of Fla. building device that simulates hurricanes

Computerworld - The University of Florida is constructing a portable machine that can simulate intense weather conditions for researchers trying to better understand how building components react to hurricane force winds and rain. 

The massive hydraulic fuel-powered device will simulate the impact of hurricane-strength winds and rain on windows, doors, roofs and other building components made of timber and masonry products, said Forrest Masters, assistant professor in the department of civil and coastal engineering at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

"There are many levels to the research that will take place," said Masters, who is working on the machine with a group of undergraduate students and a lab manager.

He said the $500,000 project aims to help researchers better "uncover the origin and path of water intrusion and to innovate new products that ultimately make homes more resilient during hurricane landfalls."

The device, designed to produce 130-mph wind speeds and create 30 to 40 pounds per square foot of dynamic pressure, will be stationed on a trailer with wheels for simplified transport. The 50,000-lb., 2,800-horsepower device includes four diesel engines and eight 5-in. vane axial fans, Masters added.

The construct is powered by a hydraulic unit fuel system spinning the massive fans, Masters said. Different contraction ducts can be added to the downwind side of the fans to contract airflow based on application, while a hydraulic actuated rudder system enables wind direction to be easily changed, he added. 

Masters said the hurricane wind and rain simulation device has been in development for about nine weeks and is set to be completed later this summer.

Masters said that IT components playing a pivotal role in the project include real-time transmission of rainfall data using cellular Code Division Multiple Access technology and geostationary satellite (EAST) transmission tools.

Weather forecasters have said that conditions in the Atlantic Ocean this year are favorable to spawn several major storms that could hammer coastlines during the hurricane season, which traditionally runs from June 1 through Nov. 30.

Given the rash of hurricanes that caused damage across Florida in 2004 and the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina along the Gulf coast a year later, Masters said scientists need more information to develop building components that can protect existing and new homes and commercial structures being built in hurricane-prone areas.

"Every hurricane has a unique identity and different parts of the coast have a particular building stock. A Miami home is not necessarily the type of home you will find in Biloxi, Miss. These issues have to be tackled head on," Masters said.

Once testing of the machine is completed, it will be rolled out in the field to test the mettle of vacant homes and structures donated to the cause by the state.

Funding for the project includes a $60,000 grant from the American Architectural Manufacturers Association in Schaumburg, Ill.