A classification of aeroacoustic phenomena on building façades

Wind-induced noise on building façades can be a source of domestic nuisances that is hard to investigate without recurring to costly methods like wind tunnel experiments or transient, compressible numerical simulations. Indeed, on a building façade, several different aeroacoustic phenomena can occur such as aeolian tones (e.g. from balustrades, gratings, etc), cavity noise (e.g. from openings) or wind-triggered acoustic resonances. Here, from a bibliography revision and a conceptual analysis, a list of aeroacoustic mechanisms on façades is given as a double-entry classification. On the one hand, it considers the way the noise is triggered (excitation), such as Von Karman vortex shedding in the case of the aeolian tone. On the other hand, it considers how they could be amplified (amplifiers) by acoustic or structural resonators for instance. Some examples from existing buildings are also commented. The strategy of identification, prediction and control of wind-induced noise phenomena from façade elements shall depend on the location of the mechanism in the classification. A first example of methodology is elaborated.