Characterization of tornado-like flow fields in a new model scale wind testing chamber. Issue 151 (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Refan, Maryam; Hangan, Horia
• Is Part Of: Journal of wind engineering and industrial aerodynamics. Issue 151(2015)
• Page Start: 107
• Page End: 121
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: Tornado-like vortex -- Swirl ratio -- Physical simulations -- Flow visualizations -- Surface pressure measurements -- Particle Image Velocimetry; Wind-pressure -- Periodicals; Buildings -- Aerodynamics -- Periodicals; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Constructions -- Aérodynamique -- Périodiques; Buildings -- Aerodynamics; Wind-pressure; Periodicals
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jweia.2016.02.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-6105

Abstract

Abstract: The flow field of tornado vortices simulated in the 1/11 scaled model of the Wind Engineering, Energy and Environment (WindEEE) Dome is characterized experimentally. Flow visualizations, surface pressure tests and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements were performed to investigate the flow dynamics for a wide range of swirl ratios (0.1< S <1.3). It is shown that this simulator is capable of generating a wide variety of tornado-like vortices ranging from a single-celled vortex to a two-celled vortex. It is demonstrated that, similar to previous Tornado Vortex Chambers (TVCs), the flow rate and the swirl component can be controlled independently in this simulator which allows for decoupling the effects of swirl ratio from that of the radial Reynolds number. In addition, the normalized radial profiles of the tangential velocity are self-similar indicating the scalability of the tornado-like flow and the potential to define simple and robust analytical models.