• Wind and Structures
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.261-275
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• 2024

Before performing an experimental study on the downburst-generated wave, it is necessary to examine the scale effects and corresponding corrections or compensations. Analysis of similarity is conducted to conclude the non-dimensional force ratios that account for the dynamic similarity in the interaction of downburst with wave between the prototype and the scale model, along with the corresponding scale factors. The fractional volume of fluid (VOF) method in association with the impinging jet model is employed to explore the characteristics of the downburst-generated wave numerically, and the validity of the proposed scaling method is verified. The study shows that the location of the maximum radial wind velocity in a downburst-wave field is a little higher than that identified in a downburst over the land, which might be attributed to the presence of the wave which changes the roughness of the underlying surface of the downburst. The impinging airflow would generate a concavity in the free surface of the water around the stagnation point of the downburst, with a diameter of about two times the jet diameter (D_jet). The maximum wave height appears at the location of 1.5D_jet from the stagnation point. Reynolds number has an insignificant influence on the scale effects, in accordance with the numerical investigation of the 30 scale models with the Reynolds number varying from 3.85 × 10⁴ to 7.30 × 10⁹. The ratio of the inertial force of air to the gravitational force of water, which is denoted by G, is found to be the most significant factor that would affect the interaction of downburst with wave. For the correction or compensation of the scale effects, fitting curves for the measures of the downburst-wave field (e.g., wind profile, significant wave height), along with the corresponding equations, are presented as a function of the parameter G.