Finite-element time-domain simulations of bridge aeroelasticity: implementation and profiling

The aeroelastic self-excited load model via indicial functions has reached sufficient theoretical maturity in the academic realm. In order to be used in the real practice of bridge design, a reliable procedure must be provided to obtain indicial functions and an efficient implementation of the convolution integrals into structural analysis programs is required. The latter problem is addressed in the present paper, where an optimized model with fading aeroelasticmemory is developed and implemented, and a first criterion to evaluate the optimal size of the memory is proposed. A substantial reduction of the computing time is obtained without compromising the accuracy of the analyses.