• Proceedings of the Korea Committee for Ocean Resources and Engineering Conference
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• 2000.04a
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• pp.75-80
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• 2000

We revisit the arrested Ekman boundary layer problem, using a fully non-linear numerical model with the subgrid dissipation modeled by the large eddy simulation method (LES). The main objective of this study is to find out whether the dynamic balance of the arrested Ekman boundary layer explained by MacCready and Rhines (1991) is valid for high Reynolds number. The model solution indicates that for high Reynolds number and low Richardson number flows, the density anomaly diffusion by near-wall turbulent action may become intense enough to homogenize completely the density structure within the boundary layer, in the direction perpendicular to the sloping wall. Then the buoyancy effect becomes negligible allowing a near-equilibrium Ekman boundary layer flow to persist for a long period.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.69-83
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• 2020

Modelling incompressible, neutrally stratified, barotropic, horizontally homogeneous and steady-state atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) is an important aspect in computational wind engineering (CWE) applications. The ABL flow can be viewed as a balance of the horizontal pressure gradient force, the Coriolis force and the turbulent stress divergence. While much research has focused on the increase of the wind velocity with height, the Ekman layer effects, entailing veering - the change of the wind velocity direction with height, are far less concerned in wind engineering. In this paper, a modified k-ε model is introduced for the ABL simulation considering wind veering. The self-sustainable method is discussed in detail including the precursor simulation, main simulation and near-ground physical quantities adjustment. Comparisons are presented among the simulation results, field measurement values and the wind profiles used in the conventional wind tunnel test. The studies show that the modified k-ε model simulation results are consistent with field measurement values. The self-sustainable method is effective to maintain the ABL physical quantities in an empty domain. The wind profiles used in the conventional wind tunnel test have deficiencies in the prediction of upper-level winds. The studies in this paper support future practical super high-rise buildings design in CWE.