Simulations of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer in a Wind Tunnel with Short Test Section

Authors

  • Luciana Bassi Marinho Pires National Institute for Space Research (INPE) Center for Numerical Weather Forecast and Climate Studies (CPTEC) Avenida dos Astronautas, 1.758 – Jardim da Granja CEP: 12227-010 – São José dos Campos – SP – Brazil
  • Igor Braga de Paula Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro Department of Mechanical Engineering Rua Marquês de Sao Vicente, 225 - Gávea, CEP: 22453-900 - Rio de Janeiro – RJ – Brazil
  • Gilberto Fisch Department of Science and Aerospace Technology (DCTA) Institute of Aeronautics and Space (IAE-ACA) Praça Marechal Eduardo Gomes, 50 – Vila das Acácias CEP: 12228-901 – São José dos Campos – SP – Brazil
  • Ralf Gielow National Institute for Space Research (INPE) Center for Numerical Weather Forecast and Climate Studies (CPTEC) Avenida dos Astronautas, 1.758 – Jardim da Granja CEP: 12227-010 – São José dos Campos – SP – Brazil
  • Roberto da Mota Girardi Department of Science and Aerospace Technology (DCTA) Aeronautics Technology Institute (ITA) Praça Marechal Eduardo Gomes, 50 – Vila das Acácias CEP: 12228-904 – São José dos Campos – SP – Brazil

Keywords:

Passive methods, Spires, carpet, Screens, Wind power law

Abstract

 http://dx.doi.org/10.5028/jatm.v5i3.190

This article presents a study of three different passive devices (spires, screens, and a carpet) separately and in various combinations, to simulate the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) in a wind tunnel with a short test chamber (465 mm×465 mm×1200 mm). The influence of distances between these devices on the formation of the ABL is established, and optimization of variation of thicknesses of the screens (thin, medium, and coarse) on pressure loss is explored. The results obtained in this work gave support for the analysis of the atmospheric flow and turbulence at Alcantara Launching Center (ALC) in order to launch Brazilian space vehicles under safe conditions. The results show that the "spires" and the thin screen are the devices that require the least area to form an ABL in a test chamber. The physical proximity of two devices (the spires and the medium screen) also influences the size of the ABL formed, which varies from 180 to 200 mm. The power law exponent ranged from 0.12 up to 0.14 after the insertion of a carpet.

 


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Published

2013-08-27

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 3 (2013): Jul./Sep., 2013

Section

Original Papers

License

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