Validating a Physical Model With Real Data. Part 1. Verifying Wind Tunnel Flow Features in Equivalent Real-Sized Data
Abstract
How much realism is enough? Airflow around a single building was simulated in the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] Wind Tunnel by Snyder and Lawson, and their results were published in 1994. Other researchers have done subsequent simulations in the EPA Wind Tunnel; however, the Snyder and Lawson results were selected for calibration against real air flow measurements acquired around an equivalent single office building in New Mexico. This paper will summarize the Wind Tunnel's miniaturized physical model, the Wind Tunnel results targeted for validation, the field test designed for 'real' air flow sampling, and a comparison of the wind tunnel flow features verses the data acquired around a real single building structure. Six out of six major Wind Tunnel flow features were validated with the 'real' field data. A case study from the 'real' field data demonstrates these features numerically, graphically, and with pictures. Recommendations for future studies will conclude the paper.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA497515
Entities
People
- Gail Tirrell Vaucher
- Ronald Cionco
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory