How much less wind resistance will a round skyscraper have?

[Batmoosemike]

For a school project, I need to know how much less wind resistance a round skyscraper will have compared to a standard rectangular one. You can assume the skyscraper will simply be a generic elliptical shape, somewhat similar to an egg. Answer doesn't have to be extremely specific, I just need an average to put into my presentation.

We need to make a proposal talking about the benefits of round skyscrapers vs standard, rectangular ones.

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[fresh_42]

The main issue with the shape isn't so much the wind resistance, but the vortex shedding.
See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strouhal_number.

For some examples for drag coefficients you might read this one:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drag_coefficient

 

[berkeman]

a generic elliptical shape, somewhat similar to an egg.

There is a significant disadvantage to using an elliptical shape instead of a circular one. Can you think of what that might be? It should be mentioned in your presentation...

 

[Batmoosemike]

There is a significant disadvantage to using an elliptical shape instead of a circular one. Can you think of what that might be? It should be mentioned in your presentation...

I really can't think of what you're referring to. Could you please explain?

 

[A.T.]

You can assume the skyscraper will simply be a generic elliptical shape, somewhat similar to an egg

Is the wind always coming from the same direction? Your shape might have less drag, but could produce significant lift perpendicular to the wind, if the wind is not perfectly aligned with the symmetry axis.

 

[berkeman]

I really can't think of what you're referring to. Could you please explain?

See A.T.'s reply above this one, and also think about what happens at all given wind directions...