A hybrid experimental-computational study: Prediction of flow fields and full-field pressure distributions on measured shapes of three-tab asphalt roofing shingles subjected to hurricane velocity winds

A novel hybrid experimental-computational study is performed to predict the flow fields and pressure distributions on the measured three-dimensional shapes of flexible, three-tab asphalt roofing shingles undergoing increasing uplift when exposed to hurricane velocity winds for two hours. To quantify the evolution of shingle shapes, StereoDIC analysis is used to measure the transient, full-field deformed shapes of full-sized, three-tab asphalt shingles that did not show separation or failure when subjected to hurricane velocity winds for two hours. Based on physical observations during wind loading, the authors performed steady state computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to predict the full-field pressure distributions on as-measured, uplifted three-dimensional shingle shapes at selected time instances during wind loading.

Simulation predictions clearly show flow recirculation regions on both the front and top of the shingles that remain attached throughout wind loading and control the full-field uplift pressure distribution. For low velocity flow with maximum uplift ≤ 8.4 mm, CFD-predicted pressures are in good agreement with prior measurements. For both low and high-speed flows, the model predictions indicate that high pressures are formed at the leading-edge, upstream of the sealant layer, with maximum pressure occurring near the tab cutouts along the leading-edge of the shingle, providing a physical basis for the observed higher uplift and increased potential for shingle failure in these regions. The combined experimental-computational studies provide a contemporary way to eliminate the difficulties associated with attachment of pressure sensors to flexible materials that can alter shingle response, providing the basis for future design improvements by delineating the physical processes controlling pressure loading and shingle uplift in hurricane velocity winds.