On the behaviour of open-topped oil storage tanks in high winds. Part I. Aerodynamic aspects

Measurements are presented of the mean, r.m.s. and spectral components of the pressure distribution over the surfaces of an open-topped oil storage tank, derived from experiments on a 1/250 scale model immersed in a wind-tunnel simulation of an atmospheric boundary layer. In qualitative terms it is shown how the principal features of the pressure-distribution statistics are linked to the gross features of the air flow in the immediate vicinity of the tank. By comparing these results with data from other sources, some indications are given as to how changes in the structure itself and in the structure of the incident air flow affect the pressure distribution and air flow near the tank.