WISE Research Group: Pioneering Resilience in the Face of Natural Hazards
An Interdisciplinary Initiative at Louisiana State University
Mission & Vision
At the WISE (Wind Engineering, Structural Dynamics, Machine Learning, and Coastal Protection) Research Group at LSU, we are dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and developing cutting-edge, innovative strategies to mitigate the devastating impact of severe weather events. Our core mission is to significantly enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure and communities, thereby ensuring their long-term safety, economic stability, and sustainable development, particularly in vulnerable coastal regions. We translate scientific discovery into practical, impactful solutions that safeguard our world.
Our Research Focus: Driving Innovation for a Secure Future
The WISE Research Group brings together a diverse team of experts in key disciplines, fostering a truly multidisciplinary approach to addressing complex natural hazards. Our research areas include:
Wind Engineering: We develop advanced techniques and designs to enable structures to withstand extreme windstorms and other atmospheric threats. Our pioneering research includes investigating turbulence and geometric scale effects on surface pressures in the atmospheric boundary layer through open-jet testing. We specialize in the wind design of solar panels for resilient and green communities, often integrating Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) with machine learning. Our work also addresses challenges in predicting wind impact on low-rise buildings, considering Reynolds number and turbulence effects, and augmenting external surface pressure predictions using CFD simulations. We further examine wind loads on large industrial buildings with parapets.
Structural Dynamics: We specialize in improving the performance of existing infrastructure and designing
new, highly resilient structures. Our innovations include advanced damping systems
for vibration attenuation in high-rise buildings, and wind turbines, using technologies
such as Tuned Mass Dampers (TMDs), pendulum pounding TMDs, and smart dampers with
semi-active gains. We also conduct experimental verification of seismic response reduction
using tuned pendulum pounding mass dampers.
Machine Learning: We leverage state-of-the-art computational methods to predict, analyze,
and mitigate the effects of natural disasters. Our work includes using Artificial
Neural Networks (ANN) for wind turbine fatigue prediction and Deep Learning-Based
Eddy Viscosity Modeling for improved RANS simulations of wind pressures on bluff bodies.
We integrate machine learning with CFD for enhanced wind design and optimize computational
efficiency in building aerodynamics.
Coastal Protection: We craft innovative solutions for the protection of critical infrastructure and promote
sustainable development in coastal environments. This includes optimizing pier design
to mitigate scour and studying bridge pier geometry effects on local scour potential.
Our research also covers hydro-aero coupling analysis for floating offshore wind turbines
and enhancing coastal community resilience through sustainable solar energy systems
and retrofitting building roofs with solar panels to reduce hurricane damage.
Our capabilities are further amplified by advanced experimental facilities, including
the pioneering LSU WISE Open-Jet Facility. This facility is revolutionizing large-scale
wind testing for solar panel and building design, allowing for the investigation of
turbulence and geometric scale effects on surface pressures in the atmospheric boundary
layer, and setting a new frontier in structural wind engineering.
Transforming Research into Real-World Impact
Our work extends across a broad spectrum of vital applications, directly informing industry practices and design codes to foster more robust and secure infrastructure worldwide. We actively engage in projects that span:
Residential & Offshore Structures: Enhancing the safety and durability of homes, including studies on wind loads on low-rise gable roofs with and without solar panels, large industrial buildings with parapets, and residential homes generally. We also contribute to the design and control of offshore wind turbines, including their aerodynamic performance and foundation design.
Transportation & Energy Projects: Protecting essential transportation networks and critical energy infrastructure, including efficient energy systems and petrochemical facilities. This includes pioneering research on wind loads on overhead sign structures, developing innovative solutions for protecting bridges against overheight vehicles with practical detection and alert systems, and hurricane hazard mitigation in traffic lighting support structures. Our work also encompasses sustainable energy solutions like agrivoltaic systems, ground-mounted solar systems, and integrating solar panels for eco-friendly energy production and reduced hurricane damage.
By bridging the gap between scientific discovery and practical application, WISE research provides valuable learning opportunities and directly contributes to a more resilient society, making a tangible difference in communities exposed to natural hazards. Our impactful contributions are regularly featured in international journals, books, book chapters, and patents, solidifying our position at the forefront of the field. Dr. Aly also serves on the editorial boards of prominent journals such as Journal of Structural Design and Construction Practice (ASCE), Wind and Structures, and Wind Engineering and Science.
Collaborate With Us: Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders
We believe that collective innovation is key to building a more secure world. The WISE Research Group is actively seeking dynamic partnerships with research agencies and industries, as well as motivated students and researchers, who share our unwavering dedication to minimizing the impact of natural disasters and enhancing community resilience. Join us as we cultivate the next generation of leaders, driving science-driven solutions that ensure a prosperous future across government, academia, and industry. We foster an environment of interdisciplinary collaboration, promoting innovative ideas that bridge scientific discovery with practical, real-world application.
Contact Information
To explore collaboration opportunities or inquire about joining our pioneering team, please contact Dr. Aly at aly@lsu.edu.