Wind Tunnel Simulation of Neutral Atmospheric Surface Layers by the Counter-Jet Technique

Abstract

A new technique to generate thick turbulent boundary layers In relatively short distances, which is capable of modifying and controlling rapidly the mean and unsteady profiles of the simulated layers, is presented. The increased thickness is achieved in the "I.IT. Environmental Wind Tunnel" by providing large momentum defects at the wall through upstream oriented, spanwise discrete wall jets, with changeable jet velocities and controllable jet angles. Various mean velocity profiles of the boundary layer (which can be represented by a wide range of power law exponents) are obtained at the same streamwise position using different settings of the counter-jet parameters and different types of artificial surface roughness. The transverse uniformity of these layers is also documented. Selected measurements of the flow field in the vicinity of a "building" model tested in three surface layers are compared in order to examine the sensitivity of measured effects to changes in the surface layer characteristics. Viewing the flow field with the aid of the modular flow concept, changes in the wake of the "building," in the flow above its roof and in the shear layer spreading downstream from its top are recorded through profiles of mean velocity and turbulence intensity. The effect of the wind direction with respect to the model is also investigated.