Application of the force-state mapping method in studying the vortex-induced vibration of bridge decks.

A detailed study on the conventional nonlinear semi-empirical model was conducted through two different vortex-induced vibration (VIV) systems of bridge decks. Results indicate that the nonlinear semi-empirical model can reproduce the limit cycle oscillation (LCO) of the original systems, but it cannot reproduce the forms of nonlinear aerodynamic forces. A new approach, which is based on the force-state mapping method, was proposed for simulating the VIV of original systems. This approach performs well in simulating both the LCO and the aerodynamic forces of the original systems. Moreover, the mean square error (MSE) and the significant factor can be used as a criterion in determining the form of nonlinearities in aerodynamic forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]