Experimental Evaluation of the Aerodynamic Coefficients of an Antenna Mast by Wind Tunnel Tests

Antenna masts are highly susceptible to dynamic wind loads and the presence of ancillaries has been documented to significantly affect the forces experienced by the mast. This paper describes the data set used and the experimental campaign conducted to determine the drag, lift, and moment coefficients of an operating antenna mast equipped with both linear and discrete ancillary components. Wind tunnel tests were performed on a scaled three-dimensional model of the mast under smooth and turbulent flow conditions, and five different configurations of ancillaries were considered, based on the predominant patterns observed. For each configuration, the aerodynamic coefficients are obtained for angles of attack ranging from 0° to 360°. Drag, lift, and moment forces were measured using two six-dimensional force balances connected to the ends of the model, and the downstream three-component velocities were acquired using a Cobra probe. The tests performed allow the characterization of the force coefficients, which enables the estimation of the wind loads on the structure based on on-site wind velocity measurements.