NOTE. The Relationship Between Numerical and Physical Models of Atmospheric Flow

Abstract

There are two fundamental methods of simulating atmospheric flows-- physical models and mathematical models. With the first technique, scale model replicas of observed ground surface characteristics (e.g., topographic relief, buildings) are constructed and inserted into a chamber such as a wind tunnel or a water tank. The flow of air or other gases or liquids in this chamber is adjusted so as to best represent the larger scale, observed atmospheric conditions. Mathematical modeling, by contrast, utilizes such basic analysis techniques as algebra and calculus to solve directly the conservation laws of motion, heat, moisture, and other atmospheric constituents.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 06, 1988
Accession Number
ADA243501

Entities

People

  • Roger A. Pielke

Organizations

  • Colorado State University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Atmospheres
  • Boundaries
  • Boundary Layer
  • Energy
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Heat Energy
  • Kinetic Energy
  • Mathematical Models
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Mechanics
  • Models
  • Reynolds Number
  • Richardson Number
  • Simulations
  • Temperature Gradients

Readers

  • Aerosol Science/Aerosol Physics
  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Theoretical Analysis.