wind load on non-circular domes

[mike20793]

The dome provisions for component and cladding pressures only apply to circular domes since that's what the testing was done on when they developed the external pressure coefficients. Is it okay to use the circular dome pressure coefficients for an ellipsoidal dome (prolate ellipsoid) as long as the aspect ratio requirements are met?

 

[SAIL3]

maybe a sketch with dims would help get some meaningful feedback....

 

[racookpe1978]

Probably. The elliptical heads will be close, but both have approximations.

For example, neither "model" would be completely accurate for the reduced wind speed between ground level and the tangent height. At some point in every calculation, you have to use your engineering judgement and say "That is close enough for this purpose."