Numerical Study of Turbulent Flow Fields Over Steep Terrain by Using Modified Delayed Detached-Eddy Simulations

Abstract

Turbulent flow fields over a two-dimensional steep ridge and three-dimensional steep hill with rough and smooth surfaces are investigated by using a delayed detached-eddy simulation (DDES) with the specified height as a new control parameter. The applicability of typical turbulence models in previous studies is evaluated by using validation metrics. While all turbulence models simulate the turbulent flow fields over the steep rough terrain well, the k − e model overestimates the mean wind speed and underestimates the turbulent kinetic energy over steep, smooth terrain. The large-eddy simulation captures the large-scale vortices and improves the mean wind speed, but overestimates the turbulent kinetic energy due to the inaccurate specification of the surface roughness. The detached-eddy simulation considering the surface roughness shows further improvement, but still overestimates the turbulent kinetic energy, since the region using the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes model is too thin. The modified DDES model with a new control parameter is suitable for the prediction of the mean wind speed and turbulence as demonstrated by the visualization of instantaneous flow fields through vortex cores, and a quadrant analysis to examine the organized motion, with strong organized motions identified in the wake region of smooth terrain. Roller vortices are significant on the lee side of the two-dimensional smooth ridge, while horseshoe vortices appear in the wake region of the three-dimensional smooth hill.