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RANS simulation of neutral atmospheric boundary layer flows over complex terrain by proper imposition of boundary conditions and modification on the k-ε model

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Abstract

In this study, a modelling methodology is proposed for RANS simulations of neutral Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL) flows on the basis of the standard k-ε model, which allows the adoption of an arbitrary shear stress model. This modelling methodology is first examined in the context of an open flat terrain in an empty domain to ascertain there are no substantial changes in the prescribed profiles. The results show that relatively good homogeneity can be achieved with this modelling methodology for various sets of inflow boundary profiles. In addition, to extend the solutions derived from the standard k-ε model to RNG k-ε model, the RNG k-ε model is in detail assembly and tuned. Finally, the topographic effects on surface wind speeds over a complex terrain are assessed with the combined use of the proposed methodology and the modified RNG model. The numerical results are in good agreement with wind tunnel testing results and long-term field observations. A discussion of the effects of horizontal homogeneity and turbulence models on the simulated wind flows over a complex terrain is also given.

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Acknowledgments

The work described in this paper was fully supported by a grant from the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Project No: CityU 118213) and research Grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project No. 51278439 and 51478405).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

    B. W. Yan, Q. S. Li & Y. C. He

  2. Hong Kong Observatory, Kowloon, Hong Kong

    P. W. Chan

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  1. B. W. Yan
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  2. Q. S. Li
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  3. Y. C. He
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  4. P. W. Chan
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Correspondence to Q. S. Li.

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Yan, B.W., Li, Q.S., He, Y.C. et al. RANS simulation of neutral atmospheric boundary layer flows over complex terrain by proper imposition of boundary conditions and modification on the k-ε model. Environ Fluid Mech 16, 1–23 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10652-015-9408-1

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