Similarity Study on Snowdrift Wind Tunnel Test

The model for snowdrift wind tunnel test needs to be similar with the prototype. Based on detailed analysis in aspects of geometry, kinematics and dynamics, the major similarity parameters that need to be satisfied are gained. The contradiction between the Reynolds number and Froude number as well as the problem of time scale is introduced, and the selections of the model parameters are specified. Lastly, an example of snowdrift wind tunnel test by adoption of quartz sand as the model of snow grains is presented. The flow field and the snow distributions on a typical stepped roof were investigated. The results show that the flow filed characters are in good agreement with the field observations, and the stepped roof snow depth distributions are basically consistent with the observation results.

Website: http://www.arjonline.org/engineering/american-research-journal-of-civil-and-structural-engineering/