Structural design of a natural windbreak using computational and experimental modeling

Abstract

Computational and experimental approaches are employed for the structural design of a natural windbreak. It is intended to find the optimum tree shelterbelt to obviate the uneven wind speed distribution across the width dimension of a high-level competition rowing channel. The experimental results, obtained in a wind tunnel, and consisting of erosion-technique images and local wind-speed measurements, are used to benchmark the computational model. A good agreement between the two sets of results is obtained. Several windbreak configurations, considering one or two rows of different cross-sectional shape and porosity, are computationally modeled. For the shortest row a rectangular shape, with porosity of 35%, is considered; for the tallest row, which aims the modeling of a poplar tree, a porosity of 87% is assumed at the trunk level, and 60% at the crown. The optimum shelterbelt consists of two rows, composed by bamboo and poplar trees, which allows the attainment of a low and nearly uniform wind flow across the width of the channel.

Seasonal Variation and Characterization of the Micrometeorology in Linpan Settlements in the Chengdu Plain, China: Microclimatic Effects of Linpan Size and Tree Distribution

“…As reported by Zeng et al [37], the abundant vertical structure of forests (e.g., species composition and configuration) also strengthens the resistance of individual tree stands to wind damage. us, our findings are different to that of Tamang et al [28] and Ferreira [38], who indicated that one or two rows of trees were optimal to reduce 85% of the wind speed and modify the micrometeorology.…”

Experiments and Design of an Anti-Disaster Support System for Apple Orchards

“…In addition, the wind pressure can be increased by the dynamic effect of wind permeation, and Wilson [16] presented the drag coefficient according to 20~50% porosity and expressed the numerical value. Ferreira [17] constructed a poplar tree with a porosity of 87% at trunk level and 60% at the crown and measured the speed of the wind appearing on the backside. It was shown that wind speed appeared up to 1.6 times in the outskirts, but the average was 1.0.…”