scholarly journals Examining the Kinematic Structures within which Lightning Flashes are Initiated using a Cloud-Resolving Model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vicente Salinas ◽  
Eric C. Bruning ◽  
Edward R. Mansell
Keyword(s):  
Electric Fields ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Vortical Flow ◽  
Flow Structures ◽  
Lightning Flash ◽  
Turbulent Eddies ◽  
Supercell Storms ◽  
Flow Features ◽  
Cloud Resolving Model ◽  
Eddy Flow

Abstract Lightning is frequently initiated within the convective regions of thunderstorms, and so flash rates tend to follow trends in updraft speed and volume. It has been suggested that lightning production is linked to the turbulent flow generated by updrafts as turbulent eddies organize charged hydrometeors into complex charge structures. These complex charge structures consist of local regions of increased charge magnitudes between which flash initiating electric fields may be generated. How turbulent kinematics influences lightning production, however, remains unclear. In this study, lightning flashes produced in a multi-cell and two supercell storms simulated using The Collaborative Model for Multiscale Atmospheric Simulation (COMMAS) were examined to identify the kinematic flow structures within which they occurred. By relating the structures of updrafts to thermals, initiated lightning were expected to be located where the rate of strain and rotational flow are equal, or between updraft and eddy flow features. Results showed that the average lightning flash is initiated in kinematic flow structures dominated by vortical flow patterns, similar to those of thermals, and the structures’ kinematics are characterized by horizontal vorticity and vertical shearing. These kinematic features were common across all cases and demonstrated that where flash initiating electric fields are generated is along the periphery of updrafts where turbulent eddies are produced. Careful consideration of flow structures near initiated flashes is consistent with those of thermals rising through a storm.

Large Eddy Simulation of the Flow Around a Diffuser-Equipped Bluff Body in Ground Effect

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Schembri Puglisevich ◽  
Gary Page
Keyword(s):  
Large Eddy Simulation ◽  
Bluff Body ◽  
Vortex Formation ◽  
Ground Effect ◽  
Vortical Flow ◽  
Navier Stokes ◽  
Flow Structures ◽  
Eddy Simulation ◽  
Large Eddy ◽  
Flow Features

Unsteady Large Eddy Simulation (LES) is carried out for the flow around a bluff body equipped with an underbody rear diffuser in close proximity to the ground, representing an automotive diffuser. The goal is to demonstrate the ability of LES to model underbody vortical flow features at experimental Reynolds numbers (1.01 × 106 based on model height and incoming velocity). The scope of the time-dependent simulations is not to improve on Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS), but to give further insight into vortex formation and progression, allowing better understanding of the flow, hence allowing more control. Vortical flow structures in the diffuser region, along the sides and top surface of the bluff body are successfully modelled. Differences between instantaneous and time-averaged flow structures are presented and explained. Comparisons to pressure measurements from wind tunnel experiments on an identical bluff body model shows a good level of agreement.

On the vortex dynamics of shear-driven deep cavity flows with asymmetrical walls

2016 ◽  
Vol 94 (12) ◽  
pp. 1344-1352 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Cornu ◽  
L. Keirsbulck ◽  
F. Kerhervé ◽  
F. Aloui ◽  
M. Lippert
Keyword(s):  
Physical Nature ◽  
Wall Pressure ◽  
Vortical Flow ◽  
Flow Structures ◽  
Cavity Flows ◽  
Convective Structures ◽  
Deep Cavity ◽  
Image Velocimetry ◽  
Flow Features ◽  
Deep Cavities

The influence of the length-to-depth aspect ratio and of wall asymmetry on the main vortical flow structures evolving in rectangular two-dimensional deep cavities is studied experimentally using wall-pressure and particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements. Wall-pressure and cavity flow statistics have been analyzed and shown that the flow features are strongly affected especially by the asymmetry. An emphasis is given concerning the behavior of the shear layer oscillations that are compared to the analytical deep-cavity model prediction proposed by P.J.W. Block (NASA Tech. Note. 1976). The results show good agreement with Block’s model if the value of the convection velocity is properly adjusted. Stochastic estimation of the cavity flows demonstrates that convective structures are involved downstream of the cavity along the wall and highlights the physical nature of the pressure-producing flow structures.

scholarly journals Vortical Flow Structures Induced by Red Blood Cells in Capillaries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
François Yaya ◽  
Johannes Römer ◽  
Achim Guckenberger ◽  
Thomas John ◽  
Stephan Gekle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Red Blood Cells ◽  
Blood Cells ◽  
Vortical Flow ◽  
Flow Structures

Flow structures and particle deposition patterns in double-bifurcation airway models. Part 2. Aerosol transport and deposition

2001 ◽  
Vol 435 ◽  
pp. 55-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. K. COMER ◽  
C. KLEINSTREUER ◽  
C. S. KIM
Keyword(s):  
Particle Deposition ◽  
Air Flow ◽  
Reynolds Numbers ◽  
Companion Paper ◽  
Stokes Number ◽  
Vortical Flow ◽  
Flow Structures ◽  
Particle Distributions ◽  
Deposition Patterns ◽  
Inlet Conditions

The flow theory and air flow structures in symmetric double-bifurcation airway models assuming steady laminar, incompressible flow, unaffected by the presence of aerosols, has been described in a companion paper (Part 1). The validated computer simulation results showed highly vortical flow fields, especially around the second bifurcations, indicating potentially complex particle distributions and deposition patterns. In this paper (Part 2), assuming spherical non-interacting aerosols that stick to the wall when touching the surface, the history of depositing particles is described. Specifically, the finite-volume code CFX (AEA Technology) with user-enhanced FORTRAN programs were validated with experimental data of particle deposition efficiencies as a function of the Stokes number for planar single and double bifurcations. The resulting deposition patterns, particle distributions, trajectories and time evolution were analysed in the light of the air flow structures for relatively low (ReD1 = 500) and high (ReD1 = 2000) Reynolds numbers and representative Stokes numbers, i.e. StD1 = 0.04 and StD1 = 0.12. Particle deposition patterns and surface concentrations are largely a function of the local Stokes number, but they also depend on the fluid–particle inlet conditions as well as airway geometry factors. While particles introduced at low inlet Reynolds numbers (e.g. ReD1 = 500) follow the axial air flow, secondary and vortical flows become important at higher Reynolds numbers, causing the formation of particle-free zones near the tube centres and subsequently elevated particle concentrations near the walls. Sharp or mildly rounded carinal ridges have little effect on the deposition efficiencies but may influence local deposition patterns. In contrast, more drastic geometric changes to the basic double-bifurcation model, e.g. the 90°-non-planar configuration, alter both the aerosol wall distributions and surface concentrations considerably.

Investigation of Wedge Probe Wall Proximity Effects: Part 2—Numerical and Analytical Modeling

1997 ◽  
Vol 119 (3) ◽  
pp. 605-611 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. D. Smout ◽  
P. C. Ivey
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Outer Wall ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Proximity Effects ◽  
Wake Flow ◽  
Scale Model ◽  
Flow Structures ◽  
Flow Features ◽  
Wall Proximity

An experimental study of wedge probe wall proximity effects is described in Part 1 of this paper. Actual size and large-scale model probes were tested to understand the mechanisms responsible for this effect, by which free-stream pressure near the outer wall of a turbomachine may be overindicated by up to 20 percent dynamic head. CFD calculations of the flow over two-dimensional wedge shapes and a three-dimensional wedge probe were made in support of the experiments, and are reported in this paper. Key flow structures in the probe wake were identified that control the pressures indicated by the probe in a given environment. It is shown that probe aerodynamic characteristics will change if the wake flow structures are modified, for example by traversing close to the wall, or by calibrating the probe in an open jet rather than in a closed section wind tunnel. A simple analytical model of the probe local flows was derived from the CFD results. It is shown by comparison with experiment that this model captures the dominant flow features.

scholarly journals Forecasting Lightning Threat Using Cloud-Resolving Model Simulations

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 709-729 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugene W. McCaul ◽  
Steven J. Goodman ◽  
Katherine M. LaCasse ◽  
Daniel J. Cecil
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Models ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Phase Region ◽  
General Character ◽  
Lightning Flash ◽  
Flash Rate ◽  
Spatial Coverage ◽  
Physically Based ◽  
Cloud Resolving Model ◽  
Near Term

Abstract Two new approaches are proposed and developed for making time- and space-dependent, quantitative short-term forecasts of lightning threats, and a blend of these approaches is devised that capitalizes on the strengths of each. The new methods are distinctive in that they are based entirely on the ice-phase hydrometeor fields generated by regional cloud-resolving numerical simulations, such as those produced by the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. These methods are justified by established observational evidence linking aspects of the precipitating ice hydrometeor fields to total flash rates. The methods are straightforward and easy to implement, and offer an effective near-term alternative to the incorporation of complex and costly cloud electrification schemes into numerical models. One method is based on upward fluxes of precipitating ice hydrometeors in the mixed-phase region at the −15°C level, while the second method is based on the vertically integrated amounts of ice hydrometeors in each model grid column. Each method can be calibrated by comparing domain-wide statistics of the peak values of simulated flash-rate proxy fields against domain-wide peak total lightning flash-rate density data from observations. Tests show that the first method is able to capture much of the temporal variability of the lightning threat, while the second method does a better job of depicting the areal coverage of the threat. The blended solution proposed in this work is designed to retain most of the temporal sensitivity of the first method, while adding the improved spatial coverage of the second. Simulations of selected diverse North Alabama cases show that the WRF can distinguish the general character of most convective events, and that the methods employed herein show promise as a means of generating quantitatively realistic fields of lightning threat. However, because the models tend to have more difficulty in predicting the instantaneous placement of storms, forecasts of the detailed location of the lightning threat based on single simulations can be in error. Although these model shortcomings presently limit the precision of lightning threat forecasts from individual runs of current generation models, the techniques proposed herein should continue to be applicable as newer and more accurate physically based model versions, physical parameterizations, initialization techniques, and ensembles of forecasts become available.

scholarly journals Schlieren photography on freely flying hawkmoth

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 20180198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun Liu ◽  
Jesse Roll ◽  
Stephen Van Kooten ◽  
Xinyan Deng
Keyword(s):  
Aerodynamic Force ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Vortical Flow ◽  
Natural Setting ◽  
Optical Flow Method ◽  
Flying Insects ◽  
Flow Features ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Edge Vortex ◽  
Schlieren Photography

The aerodynamic force on flying insects results from the vortical flow structures that vary both spatially and temporally throughout flight. Due to these complexities and the inherent difficulties in studying flying insects in a natural setting, a complete picture of the vortical flow has been difficult to obtain experimentally. In this paper, Schlieren , a widely used technique for highspeed flow visualization, was adapted to capture the vortex structures around freely flying hawkmoth ( Manduca ). Flow features such as leading-edge vortex, trailing-edge vortex, as well as the full vortex system in the wake were visualized directly. Quantification of the flow from the Schlieren images was then obtained by applying a physics-based optical flow method, extending the potential applications of the method to further studies of flying insects.

Investigation of Wedge Probe Wall Proximity Effects: Part 2 — Numerical and Analytical Modelling

1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter D. Smout ◽  
Paul C. Ivey
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Outer Wall ◽  
Aerodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Proximity Effects ◽  
Wake Flow ◽  
Scale Model ◽  
Flow Structures ◽  
Flow Features ◽  
Wall Proximity

An experimental study of wedge probe wall proximity effects is described in Part 1 of this paper. Actual size and large scale model probes were tested to understand the mechanisms responsible for this effect, by which free stream pressure near the outer wall of a turbomachine may be over indicated by upto 20% dynamic head. CFD calculations of the flow over two-dimensional wedge shapes and a three-dimensional wedge probe were made in support of the experiments, and are reported in this paper. Key flow structures in the probe wake were identified which control the pressures indicated by the probe in a given environment. It is shown that probe aerodynamic characteristics will change if the wake flow structures are modified, for example by traversing close to the wall, or by calibrating the probe in an open jet rather than in a closed section wind tunnel. A simple analytical model of the probe local flows was derived from the CFD results. It is shown by comparison with experiment that this model captures the dominant flow features.

Investigations on Energy Shares and Flow Structures of the Mixing Flow Using 3D-POD Analyses

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daekyeong Kong ◽  
Gyeongrae Cho ◽  
Myoung-Jin Kim ◽  
Deog Hee Doh ◽  
Sangmo Kang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Flow Structures ◽  
Optical Encoder ◽  
Energy Distributions ◽  
Three Dimensional Flow ◽  
Mixing Properties ◽  
Vortical Structures ◽  
Flow Features ◽  
Proper Orthogonal

Abstract The objective of this report is investigate the influences of the mixing state to the productions of the vaterite crystal of CaCO3. In order to quantify the three-dimensional flow structures and their physical contribution to the mixing properties, a stereoscopic PIV (SPIV) has been adopted. The SPIV systems consists of two high speed cameras and an optical encoder which is used for trigging the SPIV system to capture the instantaneous flow images. A continuous laser (550nm) has been used. For mixing, an agitator having four blades has been used. The mixing tank has been filled with water up to 85% level of the tank height. The agitator has been rotated with 200rpm, 250rpm and 300rpm, and the 3D flow structures have been captured by the constructed SPIV system. Using measured instantaneous 3D vectors, POD (proper orthogonal decomposition) analyses has been adopted to investigate the energy distributions of the major vortical structures, and to evaluate the flow features regarding on the production of the vaterite crystal of CaCO3.

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