Modelling wind fields and debris flight in tornadoes

C. J. Baker*, M. Sterling

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)
264 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

This paper describes the derivation of a simple yet realistic engineering model of tornado wind and pressure fields. This novel model is shown to be capable of providing a method for predicting wind speed and pressure time histories and debris impact energies that can ultimately be used in the development of a rational risk-based design methodology for tornado wind loads on buildings. A stationary one-cell tornado vortex is first considered, and the circumferential and vertical velocities and pressure profiles derived from a simple assumption for radial velocity (that is bounded in the radial and vertical directions) and the use of the Euler equations. The generalisation of this model to a two-cell tornado form is then set out. This model is then used to investigate the trajectories of wind borne debris in tornado wind fields, and for the first time, this analysis reveals the important dimensionless parameters of the problem and the parameter boundary between falling and flying debris. An asymptotic long time solution for debris paths is also derived.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)312-321
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics
Volume168
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2017

Keywords

  • Debris flight
  • Tornado
  • Wind field model

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Mechanical Engineering

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