Study of microburst-induced wind flow and its effects on cube-shaped buildings using numerical and experimental simulations of an impinging jet

Microbursts are a major cause of concern for structures both on ground as well as those in air, namely aircrafts. The velocity profile of a microburst is completely different compared to natural boundary-layer wind profiles. The current research is directed to simulation of microburst phenomenon using an impinging jet model. This research reports the first 3D numerical simulation of microbursts and its effects on buildings. Broadly the major accomplishments of the current research can be focused in three major directions.; In the first case, extensive research on velocity profiles of the wall jet that is formed after jet impingement has been conducted experimentally. The main motivation was to develop empirical equations for boundary layer growth based on experimental data, using hot-wire, PIV and pressure rake. Numerical simulations were carried out with different turbulence models so as to find the best turbulence model to simulate this kind of flow.; In the second case, both mean and peak loads on building models under static microburst wind loadings were studied, using both experimental as well as numerical techniques. Parametric study by varying the height of jet impingement, jet exit velocities and size of building models was conducted. It was found that the large eddy simulation (LES) produced results in excellent agreement with the experimental data. The flow field around the building model was obtained using PIV and comparisons were made with the LES results.; Thirdly, and the most important part of this research work was to simulate a translating microburst and study the loads on buildings using a moving impinging jet. Numerical simulation was validated with the experimental data for one jet translation speed. LES results again matched the experimental data for translating microburst loads on building, with reference to the drag and lift coefficients. The peak loads predicted by LES were within experimental limits. Effects of increased jet translation speeds on the peak loads on building were studied using numerical simulation. It was also found that the drag on building increased monotonically with increase in jet translation speeds, although the lift did not increase significantly. Microburst can produce loads on buildings equivalent to that generated by an F2 tornado.