Flutter derivatives: Advantages of a new representation convention

Various representation conventions of flutter derivatives used in the most significant bridge applications [1-3], are examined, analysing the grounds that led to the different choices and showing their specific advantages and disadvantages. The flutter derivatives of five sections measured through forced oscillation method (three different deck sections typologies, Tacoma, Humber and Messina, together with the reference flat plate and NACA 0012 profiles) are compared in three different representation conventions. On the basis of this comparative analysis, a proposal is made for the adoption of an advantageous coefficients representation convention allowing clear quantitative evaluation of the performances of the different sections just from the flutter derivatives diagram observation.