Numerical investigation on tornado-like flows and immersed bodies using vortex models

Abstract

A numerical investigation to evaluate tornado flows with immersed bodies is presented in this work, where vortex profile models are adopted to generate the flow field based on time-dependent boundary conditions. In order to reproduce flow conditions obtained from field data and experimental analyses, a parametric study is performed considering the main model parameters influencing the tornado flow characteristics. A Taylor–Galerkin finite element model is used for flow simulation, where eight-node hexahedral elements with one-point integration are adopted. Vortex flow fields are generated numerically using the Modified Rankine Combined Vortex Method (MRCVM) and a fully three-dimensional approach is utilized for tornado-like flows considering the Vastistas vortex model. Turbulence is analyzed using Large Eddy Simulation (LES) with Smagorinsky's sub-grid scale modeling. The vortex formulations are verified considering a circular cylinder submitted to vortex flows, where aerodynamic force coefficients are obtained. A tornado flow field generated experimentally is reproduced utilizing the vortex models proposed here and a cubic building subject to different tornado flow conditions is also analyzed. Results demonstrate that velocity profile models are able to reproduce tornado flow fields and aerodynamic forces on immersed bodies satisfactorily since the boundary conditions and vortex model parameters are calibrated properly.