Abstract

Knowledge of the airflow pattern and rate in and around fabric membrane structures is still relatively unknown compared to the existing knowledge of more conventional structures. This paper reports qualitative wind tunnel experiments, which were conducted using a number of physical models representing a simple conical membrane structure. Horizontal, inclined, open and closed apex cases were explored for a variety of cone rise/diameter ratios and apex height/diameter ratios. Monitoring of the air velocity was carried out on a grid of 84 different points for each configuration. In this paper only six of the cases monitored in the wind tunnel are reviewed. Using these results, the possible use of a conic tensile membrane structure’s topology and orientation to enhance ventilation rates and airflow velocities within the covered space is discussed. It is concluded that there is a need for further research in this area, in order to fully realise the potential benefits offered by tensile membrane structures for modifying airflows in their vicinity.