Abstract

The objective of this study is to develop numerical simulation model for analysing the wind speed reduction effect by coastal forest belts. The horizontally homogeneous turbulent flow equations, which are derived from the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes method, both above the tree canopy and within the canopy were first formulated, and a first-order closure scheme with the capability of accounting the bulk momentum transport term within the canopy was employed. The averaged equations were solved numerically by finite difference method, FTCS (forward time centered space) scheme. The proposed model was also used to numerically investigate the effects of structural characteristic of forest belt on the wind speed. The effects of maximum leaf area density were evaluated, with the leaf area density of $1.0m^2/m^3$, $2.0m^2/m^3$, $3.0m^2/m^3$, and $4.0m^2/m^3$. Vertical distributions of leaf area, both uniform and varied distribution with a height, were also considered. A comparison of wind profile indicated that there was in good agreements between simulated and measured wind speed. Also, the results showed horizontal wind speed decreased under a height of the tree with increasing maximum leaf area density. In conclusion, in applications where computational efficiency and simplicity are desirable, the proposed numerical model has of great capability to determine the vertical turbulent momentum transport and wind profile in the costal forest belt.

Keywords

• Costal forest belt;
• Wind speed;
• Leaf area density;
• Numerical model;
• First-order closure scheme