The development and structure of simulated neutrally stable atmospheric boundary layers

The development and structure of 0.6 m and 1.2 m deep rural and 2 m deep urban simulated atmospheric boundary layers were investigated in the Marchwood Engineering Laboratories' 9.1 × 2.7 m wind tunnel. The simulation system used, which consisted of a barrier wall, a set of vorticity generators and an aerodynamically rough surface, was that developed by Counihan [1-3] and the aim of the experiments was to extend, both in terms of detail and streamwise fetch covered, the existing body of data concerning the behaviour of the simulated flows. The data were used to compare the structure of the simulated flows with both naturally grown and atmospheric boundary layers, and to determine the streamwise fetch required for flow development. The data were then analysed to reveal minimum fetches required up-wind of models used for wind loading experiments, and ground level and elevated releases used for plume dispersion experiments. © 1979.