Generation Of Kinetic Energy Research Articles

Estimation of oceanic subsurface mixing under a severe cyclonic storm using a coupled atmosphere–ocean–wave model

Abstract. A coupled atmosphere–ocean–wave model was used to examine mixing in the upper-oceanic layers under the influence of a very severe cyclonic storm Phailin over the Bay of Bengal (BoB) during 10–14 October 2013. The coupled model was found to improve the sea surface temperature over the uncoupled model. Model simulations highlight the prominent role of cyclone-induced near-inertial oscillations in subsurface mixing up to the thermocline depth. The inertial mixing introduced by the cyclone played a central role in the deepening of the thermocline and mixed layer depth by 40 and 15 m, respectively. For the first time over the BoB, a detailed analysis of inertial oscillation kinetic energy generation, propagation, and dissipation was carried out using an atmosphere–ocean–wave coupled model during a cyclone. A quantitative estimate of kinetic energy in the oceanic water column, its propagation, and its dissipation mechanisms were explained using the coupled atmosphere–ocean–wave model. The large shear generated by the inertial oscillations was found to overcome the stratification and initiate mixing at the base of the mixed layer. Greater mixing was found at the depths where the eddy kinetic diffusivity was large. The baroclinic current, holding a larger fraction of kinetic energy than the barotropic current, weakened rapidly after the passage of the cyclone. The shear induced by inertial oscillations was found to decrease rapidly with increasing depth below the thermocline. The dampening of the mixing process below the thermocline was explained through the enhanced dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy upon approaching the thermocline layer. The wave–current interaction and nonlinear wave–wave interaction were found to affect the process of downward mixing and cause the dissipation of inertial oscillations.

Impacts of the Mesoscale Ocean‐Atmosphere Coupling on the Peru‐Chile Ocean Dynamics: The Current‐Induced Wind Stress Modulation

AbstractThe ocean dynamical responses to the surface current‐wind stress interaction at the oceanic mesoscale are investigated in the South‐East Pacific using a high‐resolution regional ocean‐atmosphere coupled model. Two simulations are compared: one includes the surface current in the wind stress computation while the other does not. In the coastal region, absolute wind velocities are different between the two simulations but the wind stress remains very similar. As a consequence, the mean regional oceanic circulation is almost unchanged. On the contrary, the mesoscale activity is strongly reduced when taking into account the effect of the surface current on the wind stress. This is caused by a weakening of the eddy kinetic energy generation near the coast by the wind work and to intensified offshore eddy damping. We show that, above coherent eddies, the current‐stress interaction generates eddy damping through Ekman pumping and eddy kinetic energy dissipation through wind work. This alters significantly the coherent eddy vertical structures compared with the control simulation, weakening the temperature and vorticity anomalies and increasing strongly the vertical velocity anomalies associated to eddies.

Pressure Gradient, Power, and Energy of Vortices

We consider small vortices, such as tornadoes, dust devils, waterspouts, small hurricanes at low latitudes, and whirlpools, for which the Coriolis force can be neglected, and hence within which the flow is cyclostrophic. Such vortices are (at least approximately) cylindrically symmetrical about a vertical axis through the center of a calm central region or eye of radius reye. In the region reye≤r≤rmax fluid (gas or liquid) circulates about the eye with speed v∝rn(n<0). We take rmax to be the outer periphery of the vortex, where the fluid speed is reduced to that of the surrounding wind field (in the cases of tornadoes, dust devils, water-spouts, and small hurricanes at low latitudes) or deemed negligible (in the case of whirlpools). If n=-1, angular momentum is conserved within the fluid itself; if n≠-1, angular momentum must be exchanged with the surroundings to ensure conservation of total angular momentum. We derive the steepness and upper limit of the pressure gradients in vortices. We then discuss the power and energy of vortices. We compare the kinetic energy of atmospheric vortices and the power required to maintain them against frictional dissipation with the same quantities for Earth’s atmosphere as a whole. We explain why the kinetic energy of atmospheric vortices must be replaced on much shorter timescales than is the case for Earth’s atmosphere as a whole. Comparisons of cyclostrophic flow with geostrophic and friction-balanced flows are then provided. We then consider an analogy that might be drawn, at least to some extent, with gravitational systems, considering mainly spherically-symmetrical and cylindrically-symmetrical ones. Generation of kinetic energy at the expense of potential energy in fluid vortices, in geostrophic and friction-balanced flows, and in gravitational systems is then discussed. We explain the variations of pressure and gravitational gradients corresponding to generation of kinetic energy equaling, exceeding, and falling short of frictional dissipation. In the Appendix, we describe a simple method for maximizing power extraction from environmental fluid (water or air) flows, which is also applicable to artificial (e.g., internal combustion) engines. In summary, we provide an overview of features and energetics of Earth’s environmental fluid flows (focusing largely on vortices) and of gravitational analogies thereto that, even though mainly semiquantitative, hopefully may be helpful.

Direct Numerical Simulation of a Supersonic Base Flow Behind a Circular Cylinder

A supersonic flow in the near wake behind a cylinder is considered. Base pressure distributions behind a circular cylinder for various Mach numbers M∞ are obtained and analyzed by means of direct numerical simulation based on high-order approximation algorithms. For M∞ = 2.46, the results obtained in the present study are compared with available experimental and numerical data. Generation of turbulent kinetic energy is calculated for various Mach numbers.

Large eddy simulation of a transitional, thermal Blasius flow at low Reynolds number

Large eddy simulation (LES) of a transitional, thermal Blasius flowfield at a sufficiently low Reynolds number along an isothermal, flat plate is presented herein. Prior experiments observed that boundary layer transition is induced by the presence of streamwise vortex instability caused by the complex interaction between thermal buoyancy and forced convection dynamics. The maximum Grashof and Reynolds numbers employed in the LES were approximately 1.05×1011 and 1.18×105, respectively. To further enhance the accuracy, computational efficiency, and numerical stability, the LES solved the low-Mach number compressible flow governing equations, which included fluctuating density effects and pressure-density decoupling. For the subgrid scale (SGS) closure, a locally dynamic Smagorinsky SGS model was implemented into the LES solver to enable the backscatter phenomenon intrinsic to transitional boundary layer flows. The LES accurately predicted the onset of streamwise vortex instability and the eventual three-dimensional vortex breakdown of the underlying mean flow into a fully developed turbulent boundary layer, when compared to previously measured data. In the developed turbulence region, quadrant analyses indicated Q2 and Q4 events dominated the contribution to the Reynolds shear stress in the near-wall region, whereas Q1 and Q3 events contributed considerably to the wall-normal turbulent heat flux. And, as a result of the instability within the conduction layer, the layer erupts and intermittently releases buoyant thermal plumes. These recurring intermittent events inside the conduction layer deflect and deform the flowfield quantities near the wall, resulting in a plurality of peculiar peaks and shear layers inside the boundary layer. Furthermore, these buoyant thermal plumes are the dominant turbulence production mechanism farther away from the wall in the downstream region of the developed turbulent boundary layer flow. Near the wall, however, forced convection turbulent flow effects were observed, in which the shear production term was the primary contributor to the generation of turbulent kinetic energy, and quasi-streamwise and horseshoe-like vortex structures were observed in the developed turbulence region.

Reconstruction of Thermodynamic Cycles in a High-Resolution Simulation of a Hurricane

Abstract The relationship between energy transport and kinetic energy generation in a hurricane is analyzed. The hydrological cycle has a negative impact on the generation of kinetic energy. First, in a precipitating atmosphere, mechanical work must also be expended in order to lift water. Second, the injection of water vapor at low relative humidity and its removal through condensation and precipitation reduces the ability of a thermodynamic cycle to generate work. This reduction can be directly quantified in terms of the change in the Gibbs free energy between the water added and removed. A newly developed approach—namely, the mean airflow as Lagrangian dynamics approximation— is used to extract thermodynamic cycles from the standard output of a numerical simulation of a hurricane. While convection in the outer rainbands is inefficient at producing kinetic energy, the deepest overturning circulation associated with the rising air within the eyewall is an efficient heat engine that produces about 70% as much kinetic energy as a comparable Carnot cycle. This confirms that thermodynamic processes play a central role in hurricane formation and intensification and that the thermodynamic cycles in a hurricane are characterized by high generation of kinetic energy that differ significantly from those found in atmospheric convection.

A New Look to the Generalized CAPE

Abstract A determination of the generalized CAPE (GCAPE) is suggested where instead of an adiabatic reversible vertical redistribution of air in a conditionally unstable atmosphere, irreversible processes with regard to the water cycle are taken into account. Irreversible processes like entrainment or atmospheric dissipation due to precipitation generally reduce the generation of kinetic energy. Irreversible pseudoadiabatic processes, in contrast, increase the availability of convective potential energy considerably. It is further increased significantly when an irreversible redistribution of water in the atmosphere due to precipitation and its corresponding evaporation is considered. Finally, the contributions of the ice phase in clouds and solid precipitation evaporation to GCAPE are investigated. The second aim of this paper is to compare CAPE and GCAPE in an unstable atmosphere. As an important result, it is shown that CAPE and GCAPE are inequivalent metrics of stability. It is even possible that an atmospheric profile with a considerable GCAPE shows a zero CAPE value. With the aid of different models with increasing complexity of thermodynamic processes, comparisons of numerical values of CAPE and GCAPE for an idealized and a real atmospheric profile are carried out. Although the mechanism and fraction of realization of convective available potential energy may be very different in individual weather systems, the pseudoadiabatic GCAPE arguably seems to be the better quantity than CAPE to compare or calibrate energy conversions in the atmosphere during organized deep convection with precipitation, because convection requires GCAPE but not necessarily CAPE. Evaluations have shown that on all days with thunderstorms in Vienna during a 9-yr period, GCAPE was positive, while a considerable fraction of these days showed zero CAPE.

Kinetic energy generation in heat engines and heat pumps: the relationship between surface pressure, temperature and circulation cell size

ABSTRACTThe pattern and size of the Earth’s atmospheric circulation cells determine regional climates and challenge theorists. Here the authors present a theoretical framework that relates the size of meridional cells to the kinetic energy generation within them. Circulation cells are considered as heat engines (or heat pumps) driven by surface gradients of pressure and temperature. This approach allows an analytical assessment of kinetic energy generation in the meridional cells from the known values of surface pressure and temperature differences across the cell, and . Two major patterns emerge. First, the authors find that kinetic energy generation in the upper and lower atmosphere respond in contrasting ways to surface temperature: with growing , kinetic energy generation increases in the upper atmosphere but declines in the lower. A requirement that kinetic energy generation must be positive in the lower atmosphere can limit the poleward cell extension of the Hadley cells via a relationship between and . The limited extent of the Hadley cells necessitates the appearance of heat pumps (Ferrel cells) – circulation cells with negative work output. These cells consume the positive work output of the Hadley cells (heat engines) and can in theory drive the global efficiency of an axisymmetric atmospheric circulation down to zero. Second, the authors show that, within a cell, kinetic energy generation is largely determined by in the upper atmosphere, and by in the lower. By absolute magnitude, the temperature contribution is about 10 times larger. However, since the heat pumps act as sinks of kinetic energy in the upper atmosphere, the net kinetic energy generation in the upper atmosphere, as well as the net impact of surface temperature, is reduced. The authors use NCAR/NCEP and MERRA data to verify the obtained theoretical relationships. These observations confirm considerable cancellation between the temperature-related sources and sinks of kinetic energy in the upper atmosphere. Both the theoretical approach and observations highlight a major contribution from surface pressure gradients, rather than temperature, in the kinetic energy budget of meridional circulation. The findings urge increased attention to surface pressure gradients as determinants of the meridional circulation patterns.

The Mean Air Flow as Lagrangian Dynamics Approximation and Its Application to Moist Convection

AbstractThis paper introduces the Mean Airflow as Lagrangian Dynamics Approximation (MAFALDA), a new method designed to extract thermodynamic cycles from numerical simulations of turbulent atmospheric flows. This approach relies on two key steps. First, mean trajectories are obtained by computing the mean circulation using height and equivalent potential temperature as coordinates. Second, thermodynamic properties along these trajectories are approximated by using their conditionally averaged values at the same height and θe. This yields a complete description of the properties of air parcels that undergo a set of idealized thermodynamic cycles.MAFALDA is applied to analyze the behavior of an atmosphere in radiative–convective equilibrium. The convective overturning is decomposed into 20 thermodynamic cycles, each accounting for 5% of the total mass transport. The work done by each cycle can be expressed as the difference between the maximum work that would have been done by an equivalent Carnot cycle and a penalty that arises from the injection and removal of water at different values of its Gibbs free energy. The analysis indicates that the Gibbs penalty reduces the work done by all thermodynamic cycles by about 55%. The cycles are also compared with those obtained for doubling the atmospheric carbon dioxide, which in the model used here leads to an increase in surface temperature of about 3.4 K. It is shown that warming greatly increases both the energy transport and work done per unit mass of air circulated. As a result, the ratio of the kinetic energy generation to the convective mass flux increases by about 20% in the simulations.

LOFAR imaging of Cygnus A – direct detection of a turnover in the hotspot radio spectra

The low-frequency radio spectra of the hotspots within powerful radio galaxies can provide valuable information about the physical processes operating at the site of the jet termination. These processes are responsible for the dissipation of jet kinetic energy, particle acceleration, and magnetic-field generation. Here we report new observations of the powerful radio galaxy Cygnus A using the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) between 109 and 183 MHz, at an angular resolution of ~3.5 arcsec. The radio emission of the lobes is found to have a complex spectral index distribution, with a spectral steepening found towards the centre of the source. For the first time, a turnover in the radio spectrum of the two main hotspots of Cygnus A has been directly observed. By combining our LOFAR imaging with data from the Very Large Array at higher frequencies, we show that the very rapid turnover in the hotspot spectra cannot be explained by a low-energy cut-off in the electron energy distribution, as has been previously suggested. Thermal (free-free) absorption or synchrotron self absorption models are able to describe the low-frequency spectral shape of the hotspots, however, as with previous studies, we find that the implied model parameters are unlikely, and interpreting the spectra of the hotspots remains problematic.

Large-Eddy Simulation of a Coastal Ocean under the Combined Effects of Surface Heat Fluxes and Full-Depth Langmuir Circulation

AbstractResults are presented from the large-eddy simulations (LES) of a wind-driven flow representative of the shallow coastal ocean under the influences of Langmuir forcing and surface heating and cooling fluxes. Langmuir (wind and surface gravity wave) forcing leads to the generation of Langmuir turbulence consisting of a wide range of Langmuir circulations (LCs) or parallel, counterrotating vortices that are aligned roughly in the direction of the wind. In unstratified, shallow coastal regions, the largest of the LCs reach the bottom of the water column. Full-depth LCs are investigated under surface waves with a significant wave height of 1.2 m and a dominant wavelength of 90 m and wave period of 8 s, for a wind speed of 7.8 m s−1 in a 15-m-deep coastal shelf region. Both unstable and stable stratification are imposed by constant surface heat fluxes and an adiabatic bottom wall. Simulations are characterized by Rayleigh and Richardson numbers representative of surface buoyancy forcing relative to wind forcing. For the particular combination of Langmuir forcing parameters studied, although surface cooling is able to augment the strength of LC, a significantly high cooling flux of 560 W m−2 (such that the Rayleigh number is Raτ = 1000) is required in order for turbulence kinetic energy generation by convection to exceed Langmuir production. Such a transition is expected at a lower heat flux for weaker wind and wave conditions and thus weaker LCs than those studied. Furthermore, a surface heating flux of approximately 281 W m−2 (such that the Richardson number is Riτ = 500) is able to inhibit vertical mixing of LC, particularly in the bottom half of the water column, allowing stable stratification to develop.

맥동파 전자해머 구동시스템의 개발

본 연구는 호퍼와 같은 공정에서 필연적으로 발생하는 스케일 또는 막힘 현상을 방지하기 위해 적용할 수 있는 저주파 전자해머 구동 시스템의 개발에 관한 것이다. 전자기계식 hammering 구동 방식은 진동과 충격량을 동시에 발생시키는 방식으로, 본 논문에서는 전자해머의 특성을 고찰하기 위하여 전자해머에 장착된 직/병렬 스프링 상수 해석을 하였고 발생에너지는 E코어에 부착된 스프링 상수가 모두 같을 경우에 계산된 등가 스프링 상수와 E코어와 I코어 사이의 동작 변위의 곱으로 계산할 수 있음을 보였다. 또한 전자해머의 충격량을 최대화하기 위하여 맥동파 구동 알고리즘을 적용하였으며, 이 알고리즘은 논리 AND 연산과 마이크로 콘트롤러(atmega128)의 타이머 인터럽트와 PWM 기능을 사용하여 구현하였다. 전자해머의 구동회로는 IGBT로 구성된 H-브리지 방식으로 설계하였고, 가속도계 측정법으로 개발한 전자 해머 시스템의 성능을 검증하였다. 실험 결과 제안한 시스템이 기계적 에너지를 양호하게 발생시킬 수 있으며, 호퍼와 같은 공정에 적용할 수 있음을 보였다. This paper proposes the development of a low frequency electronic hammer drive system that is used to prevent scaling or clogging in the hopper process. The electro-mechanical hammering driving method involves the generation of vibration and impact energy. The operation principles of the electromagnetic hammer were considered by parallel/series spring coefficient analysis and the amount of kinetic energy generated was calculated from the product of the equivalent spring constant, which is coupled with the E core and the gap of between the E core and I core. In addition, the Pulsation Driving algorithm was applied to the proposed electromagnetic hammer to obtain the maximizing kinetic energy. This algorithm was then implemented by a logical AND operation process and micro-controller (atmega128) built in functions with a timer interrupt and PWM generation function. The driving circuit of the electromagnetic hammer was designed using the H-bridge type IGBT circuit. The experimental test was performed by usefulness of the developed electromagnetic hammer systems with the acceleration measurement method. The experimental result showed that the proposed system has good kinetic energy generation performance and can be applied to the hopper process.

A Lorenz/Boer energy budget for the atmosphere of Mars from a “reanalysis” of spacecraft observations

We calculate a Lorenz energy budget for the Martian atmosphere from reanalysis derived from Mars Global Surveyor data for Mars years 24–27. We present global, annual mean energy and conversion rates per unit area and per unit mass and compare these to Earth data. The directions of the energy conversion terms for Mars are similar to Earth, with the exception of the barotropic conversion between zonal and eddy kinetic energy reservoirs. Further, seasonal and hemispheric decomposition reveals a strong conversion between zonal energy reservoirs over the year, but these balance each other out in global and annual mean. On separating the diurnal timescale, the contribution to the conversion terms and eddy kinetic energy for diurnal and shorter timescales in many cases (especially during planet-encircling dust storms) exceeds the contribution of longer timescales. This suggests that thermal tides have a significant effect on the generation of eddy kinetic energy.

A Potential Problem with the Application of Moist Static Energy in Tropical Cyclone Studies

Abstract The moist static energy (MSE) is derived from the first law of thermodynamics and has been widely used in tropical cyclone (TC) studies because of its energetic and conventionally recognized conservation properties. This study investigates the validation of the MSE application in TC systems based on cloud-resolving numerical simulations. By examining the approximations made in deriving the MSE, neglecting the horizontal advection of pressure (namely, the generation of kinetic energy) relative to the vertical advection of pressure is found to be in error in the boundary layer of TCs with the horizontal advection of pressure even being several times larger than the vertical advection of pressure near the surface. Such a problematic approximation has broken down the conservation property of MSE in adiabatic conditions. An investigation of the energetic characteristics based on an MSE budget equation demonstrates that the MSE has created significant bias in evaluating the energy transport in the inner region of the TC boundary layer. Neglecting the kinetic energy conversion term in the boundary layer leads to a more strengthened cool-pool feature of MSE relative to the equivalent potential temperature; therefore, the interchangeable relationship between these two terms may also be inaccurate in the boundary layer. It is concluded that, although the MSE is an instrumental term for TC studies, caution should be taken when it is used in the boundary layer of TCs.

First steps in modelling turbulence and its origins: a commentary on Reynolds (1895) 'On the dynamical theory of incompressible viscous fluids and the determination of the criterion'.

Reynolds' paper sought to explain the change in character of flow through a pipe from laminar to turbulent that his earlier experiments had shown to occur when the dimensionless group that today bears his name exceeded approximately 2000. This he did by decomposing the velocity into mean and fluctuating components and noting how the average kinetic energy generation and dissipation rates changed with Reynolds number. The paper was only grudgingly accepted by two very distinguished referees and initially raised little external interest. As years went by, however, the averaged form of the equations of motion, known as the Reynolds equations (which were an intermediate stage in Reynolds' analysis) became the acknowledged starting point for computing turbulent flows. Moreover, some 50 years after his paper, a refinement of his strategy for predicting transition was also successfully taken up. For some engineering problems, the continual rapid growth of computing resources has meant that more detailed approaches for computing turbulent flow phenomena can nowadays be employed. However, this growth of computing power likewise makes possible a Reynolds-averaging strategy for complex flow systems in industry or the environment which formerly had to adopt less comprehensive analyses. Thus, Reynolds' approach may well remain in use throughout the present century. This commentary was written to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society.

Modelling of turbulent flow in a radial reactor with fixed bed

The data of the computation of turbulent flow in the CF-π and CP-π configurations of the radial reactor with a fixed bed are presented. The Reynolds motion equations have been solved jointly with the k-ɛ turbulence model. To couple the parameters of flows at the interface free part-fixed bed the classical continuity equations were used. The computational data are obtained for the averaged and turbulent characteristics, and it is shown that the flow in the fixed bed causes the generation of the turbulence kinetic energy and its dissipation rate; the flow in the CF-π configuration is distributed more uniformly as compared to the CP-π configuration of the radial reactor. Computed data are compared with the experimental ones.

Atmospheric circulation processes contributing to a multidecadal variation in reconstructed and modeled Indian monsoon precipitation

AbstractAn analysis of the recently reconstructed gridded May–September total precipitation in the Indian monsoon region for the past half millennium discloses significant variations at multidecadal timescales. Meanwhile, paleo‐climate modeling outputs from the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Climate System Model 4.0 show similar multidecadal variations in the monsoon precipitation. One of those variations at the frequency of 40–50 years per cycle is examined in this study. Major results show that this variation is a product of the processes in that the meridional gradient of the atmospheric enthalpy is strengthened by radiation loss in the high‐latitude and polar region. Driven by this gradient and associated baroclinicity in the atmosphere, more heat/energy is generated in the tropical and subtropical (monsoon) region and transported poleward. This transport relaxes the meridional enthalpy gradient and, subsequently, the need for heat production in the monsoon region. The multidecadal timescale of these processes results from atmospheric circulation‐radiation interactions and the inefficiency in generation of kinetic energy from the potential energy in the atmosphere to drive the eddies that transport heat poleward. This inefficiency creates a time delay between the meridional gradient of the enthalpy and the poleward transport. The monsoon precipitation variation lags that in the meridional gradient of enthalpy but leads that of the poleward heat transport. This phase relationship, and underlining chasing process by the transport of heat to the need for it driven by the meridional enthalpy gradient, sustains this multidecadal variation. This mechanism suggests that atmospheric circulation processes can contribute to multidecadal timescale variations. Interactions of these processes with other forcing, such as sea surface temperature or solar irradiance anomalies, can result in resonant or suppressed variations in the Indian monsoon precipitation.

Kinetic Energy Budget of a Tropical Cyclone

An analysis of the kinetic energy budget is made for a tropical cyclone. Horizontal flux convergence constitutes a major energy source. Generation of kinetic energy via cross-contour flow is a persistent sink throughout the pre-storm and growth periods. Dissipation of kinetic energy from subgrid to grid scales is an important source during the pre-storm and growth periods; it acts as the major sink of energy during the decay period. The major contribution to kinetic energy comes from a persistent upper tropospheric jet stream activity throughout the period of the cyclone development. Unlike midlatitude cyclones, a considerable quantity of kinetic energy appears between 850 - 500 hPa layers especially during the growth period. While the behavior of the values of horizontal divergence by nondivergent wind closely resemble to those of total horizontal divergence term, neglecting the divergent part of the wind would clearly lead to a considerable error in the calculation of total horizontal divergence. The mean error in approximation of total horizontal divergence by the nondivergent part during the life cycle of our cyclone is about 36%.

Turbulent Kinetic Energy Production in the Vane of a Low-Pressure Linear Turbine Cascade with Incoming Wakes

Incompressible large eddy simulation and direct numerical simulation of a low-pressure turbine atRe=5.18×104and1.48×105with discrete incoming wakes are analyzed to identify the turbulent kinetic energy generation mechanism outside of the blade boundary layer. The results highlight the growth of turbulent kinetic energy at the bow apex of the wake and correlate it to the stress-strain tensors relative orientation. The production rate is analytically split according to the principal axes, and then terms are computed by using the simulation results. The analysis of the turbulent kinetic energy is followed both along the discrete incoming wakes and in the stationary frame of reference. Both direct numerical and large eddy simulation concur in identifying the same production mechanism that is driven by both a growth of strain rate in the wake, first, followed by the growth of turbulent shear stress after. The peak of turbulent kinetic energy diffuses and can eventually reach the suction side boundary layer for the largest Reynolds number investigated here with higher incidence angle. As a consequence, the local turbulence intensity outside the boundary layer can grow significantly above the free-stream level with a potential impact on the suction side boundary layer transition mechanism.

Observations of Fire–Atmosphere Interactions and Near-Surface Heat Transport on a Slope

A simple field experiment was conducted to measure and quantify fire–atmosphere interactions during a grass fire spreading up a hill under a moderate cross-slope wind. The observed fire intensity measured by passive radiometers and calculated sensible heat fluxes ranged between 90 and 120 kW m\(^{-2}\). Observations from this experiment showed that convective heat generated from the fire front was transported downwind in the lowest 2 m and the highest plume temperatures remained in this shallow layer, suggesting the fire spread was driven primarily by the advection of near-ignition temperature gases, rather than by radiation of the tilted flame. Fire-induced circulations were present with upslope flows occurring during the fire-front passage helping to transport heat up the slope and perpendicular to the fire front. A decrease in atmospheric pressure of 0.4 hPa occurred at the fire front and coincided with a strong updraft core of nearly 8 m s\(^{-1}\). These observations provide evidence that, even under moderately windy conditions, the pressure minimum in the fire remains rather close to the combustion zone and plume. The turbulence associated with the fire front was characterized by isotropic behaviour at 12.0 m above the ground, while less isotropic conditions were found closer to the ground due to higher horizontal variances associated with fire-induced flow at the fire front. From analysis of the turbulence kinetic energy budget terms, it was found that buoyancy production, rather than shear generation, had a larger contribution to the generation of turbulence kinetic energy, even during a highly sheared and moderate ambient wind.