A estrutura do vento varia de acordo com as características do terreno e com a rugosidade da superfície terrestre, desacelerando proporcionalmente sua intensidade de acordo com a proximidade do solo, o que determina a constituição da camada limite atmosférica (C.L.A.). As características do escoamento sobre e no entorno de características topográficas obtusas tais como morros são de grande interesse em muitas aplicações, especialmente aquelas ligadas à engenharia de vento. Esta pesquisa foca a investigação da C.L.A. sobre terrenos complexos, analisando a estrutura do escoamento turbulento, a separação e a recomposição do mesmo. Para tanto, dois métodos são empregados e comparados na presente investigação para identificar a influência da orografia complexa sobre o escoamento do vento: padrões ou códigos de carga de vento e análises experimentais em túnel de vento. Nove modelos experimentais de morros isolados, sendo quatro simétricos bidimensionais, quatro simétricos tridimensionais e um assimétrico, todos com a consideração de dois tipos de terreno, categoria I – plano e categorias III-IV – medianamente rugosas são analisados. A partir de uma simulação experimental da camada limite em túnel de vento, é possível parametrizar os efeitos do vento sobre terrenos complexos (MILLER, 1995). A definição de variáveis, tais como: o perfil de velocidade do vento, a intensidade de turbulência, os efeitos topográficos na velocidade do vento constituem-se em elementos fundamentais para cálculos estruturais de edificações situadas no entorno. Foram desenvolvidas simulações experimentais no túnel de vento de camada limite Prof. Joaquim Blessmann, da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Na superfície do modelo assimétrico, na radial principal do mesmo, foram localizados nove perfis de medição, contendo cada um, vinte alturas de investigação. Os demais modelos tiveram como foco de análise o cume dos mesmos, também com perfis definidos nas mesmas alturas. As medições da velocidade do vento e da intensidade da turbulência foram procedidas por um sistema de anemometria de fio quente. Os dados obtidos em túnel de vento foram confrontados com expressões empíricas calculadas para os mesmos pontos segundo cinco códigos ou padrões de carga de vento, pontuando também as correlações entre os mesmos e entre estes com a norma brasileira NBR 6123 (1988). Os modelos, códigos ou padrões analisados foram: Jackson e Hunt (1975) e Davenport, Surry e Lemelin (1988), models e as normas a seguir nominadas:Norma Brasileira: cargas de vento em Edificações - NBR 6123 (1988); European Standard:Eurocode1: Basis of Design and Actions on Structures, CEN TC 250: 2002; Australian/New Zealand Standard: Minimum Design Loads on Structures, AS/NZS 1170.2: 2002; Architectural Institute of Japan AIJ: 2004; American Society of Civil Engineering Standard, ASCE 7-95 (ASCE 7-95), Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures;National Building Code of Canada, 2005, (NRCC 2005). Além do estudo comparativo acerca da resposta estimada pelos códigos nominados, esta pesquisa constitui-se em um banco de dados de medições em pontos localizados nos morros nominados, em túnel de vento. O comparativo entre os padrões mostra a inexistência de uma harmonização entre os mesmos para a consideração dos parâmetros a serem empregues para o cálculo de cargas de vento. Estas diferenças na definição dos parâmetros básicos para o carregamento de vento em estruturas determinam grandes dificuldades na unificação de formatos recomendados na previsão das cargas de vento. Comparativamente aos dados experimentais, os padrões, em geral, mostram-se conservadores para os dois tipos de morros analisados, simétrico e assimétrico, para os dois tipos de terreno, tanto considerando-se análises em 2D ou 3D. / The structure of the wind varies with the characteristics of the terrain and roughness land surface, slowing its intensity proportionally according to the surrounding terrain, which determines the onset of boundary layer (ABL). The characteristics of the flow over and around topographic features such as hills are of great interest in many applications, especially those related to wind engineering. From an experimental simulation of the boundary layer wind tunnel, it is possible to parameterize the effects of wind over complex terrain (MILLER, 1995). The definition of variables, such as the profile of wind speed, the turbulence intensity, the topographic effects on wind speed are key elements in structural calculations for buildings situated around the area. This research focuses on the investigation of the ABL complex terrain conditions, analyzing the structure of turbulent flow and characterization of separation and reattachment of the flow. Experimental simulations were developed in the wind tunnel of the atmospheric boundary layer Prof. Joaquim Blessmann, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in nine models of hills, four symmetrical two-dimensional, four- symmetrical threedimensional and one asymmetrical, all considering two types of terrain, category I - plan and Category III-IV- moderately rough. The surface of the asymmetric model was measured in nine profiles ploted on the main radial of the hill, with twenty heights each, and the other models were examined at top of the hill. The measurements were performed with a system of hot wire anemometry to measure the wind velocity and intensity of turbulence. The identification of the data obtained in the wind tunnel were confronted with empirical expressions for the same points, in order to establish the correlations between patterns and among these with NBR 6123 (1988). Two models and five codes of wind loads are analyzed: Jackson and Hunt (1975) and e Davenport, Surry e Lemelin (1988) Models and Brazilian Association of Technical Standards: Wind Load on Buildings, NBR 6123 (1988); European Standard: Eurocode1: Basis of Design and Actions on Structures, CEN TC 250: 2002; Australian/New Zealand Standard: Minimum Design Loads on Structures, AS/NZS 1170.2: 2002; Architectural Institute of Japan AIJ: 2004; American Society of Civil Engineering Standard, ASCE 7-95 (ASCE 7-95), Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures; National Building Code of Canada, 2005, (NRCC 2005) codes. This study focuses not only the comparison of the response estimated by international codes nominees, but also a data bank of wind tunnel data to validate this tool based on empirical expressions. The comparison of the patterns shows a lack of consideration for international harmonization of the parameters to be employed for the calculations of wind loads. These differences in defining the basic parameters for the wind loading on structures determines difficulties to unify the formats recommended in the prediction of wind loads. Compared to the experimental data, the patterns will generally show up conservative for both types of mounts analyzed, symmetrical and asymmetrical, for both types of terrain, both considering 2D or 3D.

A estrutura do vento varia de acordo com as características do terreno e com a rugosidade da superfície terrestre, desacelerando proporcionalmente sua intensidade de acordo com a proximidade do solo, o que determina a constituição da camada limite atmosférica (C.L.A.). As características do escoamento sobre e no entorno de características topográficas obtusas tais como morros são de grande interesse em muitas aplicações, especialmente aquelas ligadas à engenharia de vento. Esta pesquisa foca a investigação da C.L.A. sobre terrenos complexos, analisando a estrutura do escoamento turbulento, a separação e a recomposição do mesmo. Para tanto, dois métodos são empregados e comparados na presente investigação para identificar a influência da orografia complexa sobre o escoamento do vento: padrões ou códigos de carga de vento e análises experimentais em túnel de vento. Nove modelos experimentais de morros isolados, sendo quatro simétricos bidimensionais, quatro simétricos tridimensionais e um assimétrico, todos com a consideração de dois tipos de terreno, categoria I – plano e categorias III-IV – medianamente rugosas são analisados. A partir de uma simulação experimental da camada limite em túnel de vento, é possível parametrizar os efeitos do vento sobre terrenos complexos (MILLER, 1995). A definição de variáveis, tais como: o perfil de velocidade do vento, a intensidade de turbulência, os efeitos topográficos na velocidade do vento constituem-se em elementos fundamentais para cálculos estruturais de edificações situadas no entorno. Foram desenvolvidas simulações experimentais no túnel de vento de camada limite Prof. Joaquim Blessmann, da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul. Na superfície do modelo assimétrico, na radial principal do mesmo, foram localizados nove perfis de medição, contendo cada um, vinte alturas de investigação. Os demais modelos tiveram como foco de análise o cume dos mesmos, também com perfis definidos nas mesmas alturas. As medições da velocidade do vento e da intensidade da turbulência foram procedidas por um sistema de anemometria de fio quente. Os dados obtidos em túnel de vento foram confrontados com expressões empíricas calculadas para os mesmos pontos segundo cinco códigos ou padrões de carga de vento, pontuando também as correlações entre os mesmos e entre estes com a norma brasileira NBR 6123 (1988). Os modelos, códigos ou padrões analisados foram: Jackson e Hunt (1975) e Davenport, Surry e Lemelin (1988), models e as normas a seguir nominadas:Norma Brasileira: cargas de vento em Edificações - NBR 6123 (1988); European Standard:Eurocode1: Basis of Design and Actions on Structures, CEN TC 250: 2002; Australian/New Zealand Standard: Minimum Design Loads on Structures, AS/NZS 1170.2: 2002; Architectural Institute of Japan AIJ: 2004; American Society of Civil Engineering Standard, ASCE 7-95 (ASCE 7-95), Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures;National Building Code of Canada, 2005, (NRCC 2005). Além do estudo comparativo acerca da resposta estimada pelos códigos nominados, esta pesquisa constitui-se em um banco de dados de medições em pontos localizados nos morros nominados, em túnel de vento. O comparativo entre os padrões mostra a inexistência de uma harmonização entre os mesmos para a consideração dos parâmetros a serem empregues para o cálculo de cargas de vento. Estas diferenças na definição dos parâmetros básicos para o carregamento de vento em estruturas determinam grandes dificuldades na unificação de formatos recomendados na previsão das cargas de vento. Comparativamente aos dados experimentais, os padrões, em geral, mostram-se conservadores para os dois tipos de morros analisados, simétrico e assimétrico, para os dois tipos de terreno, tanto considerando-se análises em 2D ou 3D. / The structure of the wind varies with the characteristics of the terrain and roughness land surface, slowing its intensity proportionally according to the surrounding terrain, which determines the onset of boundary layer (ABL). The characteristics of the flow over and around topographic features such as hills are of great interest in many applications, especially those related to wind engineering. From an experimental simulation of the boundary layer wind tunnel, it is possible to parameterize the effects of wind over complex terrain (MILLER, 1995). The definition of variables, such as the profile of wind speed, the turbulence intensity, the topographic effects on wind speed are key elements in structural calculations for buildings situated around the area. This research focuses on the investigation of the ABL complex terrain conditions, analyzing the structure of turbulent flow and characterization of separation and reattachment of the flow. Experimental simulations were developed in the wind tunnel of the atmospheric boundary layer Prof. Joaquim Blessmann, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in nine models of hills, four symmetrical two-dimensional, four- symmetrical threedimensional and one asymmetrical, all considering two types of terrain, category I - plan and Category III-IV- moderately rough. The surface of the asymmetric model was measured in nine profiles ploted on the main radial of the hill, with twenty heights each, and the other models were examined at top of the hill. The measurements were performed with a system of hot wire anemometry to measure the wind velocity and intensity of turbulence. The identification of the data obtained in the wind tunnel were confronted with empirical expressions for the same points, in order to establish the correlations between patterns and among these with NBR 6123 (1988). Two models and five codes of wind loads are analyzed: Jackson and Hunt (1975) and e Davenport, Surry e Lemelin (1988) Models and Brazilian Association of Technical Standards: Wind Load on Buildings, NBR 6123 (1988); European Standard: Eurocode1: Basis of Design and Actions on Structures, CEN TC 250: 2002; Australian/New Zealand Standard: Minimum Design Loads on Structures, AS/NZS 1170.2: 2002; Architectural Institute of Japan AIJ: 2004; American Society of Civil Engineering Standard, ASCE 7-95 (ASCE 7-95), Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures; National Building Code of Canada, 2005, (NRCC 2005) codes. This study focuses not only the comparison of the response estimated by international codes nominees, but also a data bank of wind tunnel data to validate this tool based on empirical expressions. The comparison of the patterns shows a lack of consideration for international harmonization of the parameters to be employed for the calculations of wind loads. These differences in defining the basic parameters for the wind loading on structures determines difficulties to unify the formats recommended in the prediction of wind loads. Compared to the experimental data, the patterns will generally show up conservative for both types of mounts analyzed, symmetrical and asymmetrical, for both types of terrain, both considering 2D or 3D.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-20T14:25:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 dissertacao_daniel_schuch.pdf: 1534096 bytes, checksum: 7a0aa04f35343a826f68cb23af11d80d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-09-23 / The present work shows an analytical solution for the two-dimensional advectiondiffusion equation applied to the dispersion of pollutants released in the Atmospheric Boundary layer. The problem is solved by the combination of the Laplace Transform and GILTT (Generalized Integral Laplace Transform Technique) techniques. This solution has no limitations regarding the turbulent diffusion coefficients and wind profile depending on the height. An arbitrary source is added to the advectiondiffusion equation to model the process of first order chemical reactions. The concentration fields obtained computationally are compared with experimental data available in the literature. / Esta dissertação apresenta uma solução analítica para a equação de advecçãodifusão bidimensional aplicada a dispersão de poluentes lançados na Camada Limite Atmosférica (CLA). A resolução do problema será com o uso das técnicas da Transformada de Laplace e GILTT (Generalized Integral Laplace Transform Technique). Esta solução é válida para qualquer coeficiente de difusão turbulenta e perfil de vento dependentes da altura. Um termo fonte arbitrário é adicionado à equação de advecção-difusão para modelar o processo de reação química de primeira ordem. Os campos de concentração obtidos computacionalmente são comparados com dados experimentais e da literatura.

L’observation des couches limites atmosphériques au dessus du plateau antarctique a mis en évidence les plus fortes inversions de température proches de la surface de la planète. Bien paramétriser ces couches limites extrêmes dans un modèle de circulation générale est essentiel pour represéntercorrectement l’inversion climatologique de température au dessus du plateau, mais également pour reproduire des vents catabatiques réalistes en aval du plateau et de surcroit, une circulation atmosphérique correcte dans l’hémisphère sud. Les conclusions des précédentes "Gewex AtmosphericBoundary Layer Studies" (GABLS) ont conduit au constat que la paramétrisation des couches limites stables dans les modèles climatiques est une des priorités pour la communauté des modélisateurs.Ceci est dû au fait que la nature même des processus physiques en jeu est mal connue mais aussi parce que les lois de similitudes, sur lesquelles les paramétrisations du mélange turbulent sont fondées, ne sont pas applicables en condition très stable. L’objectif de ces travaux de thèse est d’évaluer et d’améliorer la représentation des couches limites sur le plateau antarctique dans le modèle français de circulation générale Laboratoire de MétéorologieDynamique-Zoom (LMDZ), composante atmosphérique du modèle de climat IPSL. Avant l’évaluation même du modèle, une étude approfondie de la couche limite de surface et de la structure de la couche limite stable a été conduite à partir de l’analyse de mesures in situ au Dôme C. Il en a résulté une caractérisation de la hauteur de rugosité aérodynamique, une estimation des flux turbulents de surface sur une année entière ainsi que la mise en évidence de sursaturations de la vapeur d’eau par rapport à la glace. L’analyse des mesures de température et de vent le long d’une tour de 45 m a aussi montré que la couche limite se comporte tel un système dynamique à deux régimes distincts. La relation entrevitesse du vent et inversion de température décrit un "S renversé", suggérant une transition de régime suivant un hystérésis. Une étude complémentaire a révélé que ce comportement dynamique à deux régimes est une caractéristique générale et robuste des couches limites stables, qui peuvent transiter,selon l’intensité des forçages, d’un régime ’turbulent’ peu stable à un régime ’radiatif’ très stable et vice et versa.Le modèle LMDZ a ensuite été évalué en configuration 1D sur un cycle diurne d’été dans le cadre de la quatrième expérience GABLS. Des tests de sensibilité aux paramètres de surface et à la paramétrisation du mélange turbulent ont été réalisés. Ils ont conduit à de nettes améliorations des performancesdu modèle ainsi qu’à la mise en place d’une configuration adaptée aux conditions antarctiques. Des simulations complémentaires en 3D ont par la suite soulevé l’importance du transfert radiatif infrarouge et de la paramétrisation des flux turbulents de surface pour la modélisation de la couchelimite sur le plateau pendant la nuit polaire. Enfin, les travaux de thèse ont été étendus à la modélisation des couches limites stables continentales. Les paramétrisations locales de turbulence ont en effet tendance à sous-estimer le mélange sous-maille continental, en raison de la multitude des processusde mélange en jeu. Un réflexion a donc été portée sur la façon de palier ce manque de mélange, avec comme idée directrice de transférer la perte d’énergie cinétique grande échelle perdue lors du freinage de l’écoulement par les ondes de gravité, vers de l’énergie cinétique turbulente. / Observation of the Atmospheric Boundary Layers (ABL) above the Antarctic Plateau has revealed the strongest near-surface temperature stratifications on the Earth. A correct parametrization of the very stratified Antarctic ABLs in General Circulation Models (GCM) is critical since they exert a strongcontrol on the continental scale temperature inversion, on the coastal katabatic winds and subsequently on the Southern Hemisphere circulation. The previous Gewex Atmospheric Boundary Layer Studies (GABLS) highlighted that the parametrization of the very stratified, or very stable, ABLs isone of the most critical challenge in the atmospheric modelers community. Indeed, the nature of the mixing processes are not completely understood and the commonly used similarity laws, on which the model’s parametrization are usually based, are no longer valid. The aim of this PhD work is to evaluate and improve the modelling of the ABL over the Antarctic Plateau by the Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique-Zoom (LMDZ) GCM, the atmospheric component of the IPSL Earth System Model in preparation for the sixth Coupled Models Intercomparison Project. Before the model evaluation itself, an in-depth study of the dynamics of the atmospheric surface layer and of the stable ABL over the Antarctic Plateau was carried out from in situ measurements at Dome C. The analysis enabled the first estimations of the roughness length and of the surface fluxes during the polar night at this location as well as the characterization of very frequent occurences of near-surface moisture supersaturations with respect to ice. Investigation of meteorological measure-ments along a 45 m tower also revealed two distinct dynamical regimes of the stable ABL at this location. In particular, the relation between the near surface inversion amplitude and the wind speed takes a typical ’reversed S-shape’, suggesting a system obeing with an hysteresis. A further analysisshowed that this is a clear illustration of a general and robust feature of the stable ABL systems, corresponding to a ‘critical transition’ between a steady turbulent and a steady ‘radiative’ regime. LMDZ was then run on 1D simulations during a typical clear-sky summertime diurnal cycle in the framework of the fourth GABLS case. Sensitivity tests to surface parameters, vertical grid and turbulent mixing parametrizations were performed leading to significant improvements of the model and to a new configuration better adapted for Antarctic conditions. 3D simulations were then carried outwith the ’zooming capability’ of the horizontal grid and with nudging. These simulations enabled a further evaluation of the model over a full year and extending the analysis beyond Dome C. In particular, this study raised the importance of the radiative scheme and of the surface layer scheme forthe modelling of the ABL during the polar night over the Plateau. Finally, the PhD work extented toward the modelling of the stable ABL over the other continents, assessing how the frequently underestimated subgrid mixing of momentum and heat can be compensated by a transfer of large scalekinetic energy toward turbulent kinetic energy when the flow is slowed down by orographic gravity wave drag.

Le brouillard est un phénomène météorologique très difficile à prévoir, même à très courte échéance, en raison de sa grande variabilité spatiale et temporelle qui est due à des interactions complexes entre divers processus physiques. Dans cette thèse, les caractéristiques météorologiques locales et les processus synoptiques favorables aux brouillards sur la région du Grand Casablanca (Maroc) sont examinés à l'aide des observations horaires aux deux stations météorologiques permanentes de cette région côtière. Un algorithme de classification objectif est développé et utilisé pour classer les événements en des types de brouillard les plus rencontrés. Cette étude climatologique a mis en évidence que le brouillard a le plus souvent un caractère localisé et que le type d'advection-rayonnement est le plus fréquent sur la région, suivi des types d'affaissement de stratus et de rayonnement. Quand le brouillard intéresse simultanément les deux stations, la probabilité d'observer deux types différents est assez élevée. Les processus advectifs liés à la circulation de brise de mer au cours de l'après-midi, suivis de ceux radiatifs en début de nuit jouent un rôle important dans la formation du brouillard sur la région. Des simulations numériques à l'aide du modèle Méso-NH sont réalisées. Ces simulations ont confirmé que les processus physiques impliqués dans le cycle de vie du brouillard peuvent être différents selon la nature géographique de la surface. Elles ont aussi mis en évidence que la prévision numérique du brouillard en zone côtière est sensible à la température de la surface de la mer, à la topographie locale, et à l'occupation du sol. De plus, la prévision du brouillard côtier dépend fortement de la capacité du modèle à reproduire correctement la circulation de brise au cours de l'après-midi et les processus radiatifs en début de nuit. Les simulations systématiques des cas de brouillard de l'hiver 2013-2014 a montré la capacité du modèle Méso- NH à reproduire l'occurrence du brouillard avec néanmoins un taux relativement élevé de fausses alarmes, en particulier à la station côtière. / The prediction of fog remains a challenge due to its time and space variability and to the complex interaction between the numerous physical processes influencing its life cycle. During the first stage of this thesis, the local meteorological and synoptic characteristics of fog occurrence over the Grand Casablanca region (Morocco) are investigated. To achieve this, hourly surface meteorological observations, at two synoptic stations of this coastal region, are used. An objective fog-type classification has been developed in this work and used to discriminate the fog events into the well known types. This fog climatology points out that the fog is often localized and that it is predominantly of advection-radiation type, followed by fog resulting from cloud base lowering and radiation fog. Besides, two different fog types can occur when fog simultaneously concerns the two stations. The advective processes associated with sea breeze circulation during the daylight, followed by the radiative processes often leads to fog formation over this coastal region. Numerical simulations are performed later using the meso-scale non-hydrostatic model Meso-NH. These simulations confirm that the physical processes, governing the life cycle of fog, can be different according to the physiographic features of the area. Moreover, the numerical prediction of coastal fog over heterogeneous area is very sensitive to sea surface temperature, land local topography and land cover. It also depends on the model's ability to reproduce the sea breeze circulation during the daylight followed by the radiative processes early in the night. The systematic numerical simulations of the fog events that occurred during the winter 2013-2014 indicate the Meso-NH's ability to well capture the fog occurrence with a relatively high false alarm rate, particularly over the coastal station.

Cross wind analysis is one of the important safety measures for rail vehicle certification. The objective of this study is to identify which vehicle certification ground setup, true flat ground (TFG) or single track ballast and rail (STBR) represents a more realistic ground setup with atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) wind inlet and also to represent an embankment scenario. A streamlined high speed train ICE3 and a conventional Regional train are taken for the analysis to represent both categories. CFD is used as a tool for calculations. The best practice recommended by the AeroTRAIN project is used for the CFD approach. The analysis is done for various configurations including STBR, TFG, embankments, ground roughness, moving ground, non-moving ground, block profile inlet, ABL inlet, model scale and full scale setups. The Regional train shows higher roll moment coefficient about lee rail (Cmx,lee) compared to the ICE3 train, whereas the ICE3 train has a higher lift force coefficient than the Regional train. STBR setup shows a higher force and moment coefficient compared to TFG. The STBR setup represents the more realistic setup of moving rough ground with ABL wind inlet and also the realistic embankment scenario.

The interaction between a bluff body and the impinging fluid flow, can involve detached boundary layers, massive flow separations, free shear layers, development of recirculation zones and formation of a highly disturbed and complex region downstream of the bluff body, which can be categorized as wake. The present research aims to experimentally investigate such fluid-structure interaction and provide insight into the wake structure of two bluff bodies. To this end, the airwake over the helicopter platform of a Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) polar icebreaker was studied using high-speed particle image velocimetry (PIV). The experiments were conducted on a scaled model of the polar icebreaker situated on a costume-built and computer-controlled turntable, which provided the ability to accurately change the incidence angle of the impinging flow with a given rate of change for incidence angle. Quantitative flow field data were obtained in several vertical and horizontal planes. The obtained velocity field was then used to calculate the time-averaged flow structure and turbulence metrics over the helicopter platform of the vessel. The present work compared the effects of two types of inflow conditions: (i) a uniform flow and (ii) a simulated atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) on the flow structure over the helicopter platform of the ship. Moreover, for the bluff scaled model, the effects of the Reynolds number on the wake structure and the flow patterns were investigated. The incidence angle (α) between the oncoming flow and the orientation of the ship varied between 0° to 330° with the increment of 30°. It was observed that higher maximum values of the turbulence intensity were associated with the simulated ABL. Moreover, it was found that for both inflow conditions, the incidence angle of 300o corresponded to the highest turbulence levels over the helicopter platform. Building on the results obtained for a stationary vessel in the simulated ABL, this work aimed to quantify the effects of the unsteady change in the direction of the impinging wind, simulated by rotating the model at a certain rate, . It was observed that the increase of the rate of change of the inflow direction resulted in an increase of the turbulent intensity over the helicopter platform. However, an exception was observed for the case of α = 60°, where clockwise rotation of the ship model with respect to the inflow exposed the helicopter platform to increased turbulent velocity fluctuations, while counterclockwise rotation diminished the flow unsteadiness over the helicopter platform. Moreover, aiming to identify the origins of the unsteady forces applied on bluff elongated plates with high chord-to thickness ratio (c/t = 23) at zero incidence, direct force measurement as well as PIV were used to identify the effect of transverse perforations on the flow-induced loading on the flow structure in the near-wake of the plates. The experiments were conducted in a water channel, where the plates were located at the center of channel, parallel to the upstream flow direction. Plates with various characteristic diameter of the perforation as well as a reference case without perforations were considered. The spectra of the trailing-edge vortex shedding and flow-induced forces were compared and it was observed that the vortex shedding frequencies were in very good agreement with those of the measured flow-induced forces for all considered perforation patterns. Thus, it was determined that the trailing-edge vortex shedding was the main mechanism of generating the unsteady loading on the plates. The staggered patterns of the perforations created a three-dimensional flow structure at the vicinity of the trailing edge and in the near wake, which was investigated using PIV at several data acquisition planes. It was found that in the cross-sectional planes corresponding to the close proximity of the perforations to the downstream edge, the periodic trailing-edge vortex shedding were suppressed. Furthermore, it was observed that for small perforations, the velocity fluctuations in the near wake were enhanced. However, further increase of the perforation diameter led to suppression of the velocity fluctuations. / Graduate

Previous simulations have shown that wind farms have an impact on the near-surface atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) as turbulent wakes generated by the turbines enhance vertical mixing of momentum, heat and moisture. These changes alter downstream atmospheric properties. With the exception of a few observational data sets that focus on the impact to near-surface temperature within wind farms, little to no observational evidence exists with respect to vertical mixing. These few experimental studies also lack high spatial resolution due to their use of a limited number of meteorological sensors or remote sensing techniques. This study utilizes an instrumented small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) to gather high resolution in-situ field measurements from two state-of-the-art Midwest wind farms in order to differentially map downstream changes to relative humidity. These measurements are complemented by numerical experiments conducted using large eddy simulation (LES). Observations and numerical predictions are in good general agreement around a single wind turbine and show that downstream relative humidity is altered in the vertical, lateral, and downstream directions. A suite of LES is then performed to determine the effect of a turbine array on the relative humidity distribution in compounding wakes. In stable and neutral conditions, and in the presence of a positive relative humidity lapse rate, it is found that the humidity decreases below the turbine hub height and increases above the hub height. As the array is transitioned, the magnitude of change increases, differentially grows on the left-hand and right-hand side of the wake, and move slightly upward with downstream distance. In unstable conditions, the magnitude of near-surface decrease in relative humidity is a full order of magnitude smaller than that observed in a stable atmospheric regime.

The atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) is the lowest layer of the atmosphere where surface effects are felt on time scales of about an hour. While its properties are determined by the surface characteristics, season and synoptic conditions, they in turn determine convective cloud properties and are required for the representation of cloud processes in atmospheric models. Further, interaction of the ABL with the surface layer of the ocean is a key component of ocean-atmosphere coupling. ABL characteristics over ocean surrounding the sub-continent become very important for understanding the monsoon processes during the monsoon season because the roots of many monsoon systems, that give rain to India, are over there. In this thesis data used are from three major field experiments namely the Bay of Bengal Monsoon Experiment (BOBMEX, 1999), Arabian Sea Monsoon Experiment (ARMEX, in two phases, ARMEX-I during 2002 and ARMEX-II in 2003), and Continental Tropical Convergence Zone (CTCZ) experiment (Pilot in 2009) which were carried out under the Indian Climate Research Programme (ICRP). While there have been few studies on ABL characteristics for individual cruises, a comprehensive study considering all available radiosonde data from the above cruises has been missing. This study fills this gap and focuses on the vertical structure of ABL using more than 400 high resolution Vaisala GPS radiosonde data collected over Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. The study attempts at first to look at the ABL characteristics of individual cruises and then compare and contrast them over the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. ABL height Hm, estimated by using virtual potential temperature (θv) profile, shows diurnal variation during weak phase of convection while maximum in early morning during active phase of convection. Different variables i.e. moist static energy (h), specific humidity (q), convective available potential energy (CAPE), virtual potential temperature (θv) and equivalent potential temperature (θe) also differ during weak and active convection periods. Conserved variables mixing line approach gives the height up to which ground thermals penetrate in the vertical. This height, denoted by MH that represents the actual ABL height, is 2-3 times larger than Hm when shallow convective clouds are present. In general both Hm and MH are 20-30% larger over Arabian Sea compares to that over Bay of Bengal. Comparison of surface convective available potential energy (CAPE) and equivalent potential temperature (θe) between normal and deficit monsoon years shows that convective instability was as large in deficit years. This means that dynamic and not thermodynamics, controlled the occurrence of convection.

Les régimes dynamiques dans les basses couches de l’atmosphère à l’île de la Réunion sont conditionnés par l’action du relief et du rayonnement sur l’écoulement synoptique. L’île est située en permanence dans le flux des alizés de sud-est et son relief élevé, culminant à 3000 m dans le centre de l’île et 2600 m au sud, constitue un obstacle important pour l’écoulement moyen. Le relief, le chauffage différentiel des pentes et le contraste thermique avec l’océan influent sur les échanges locaux entre la couche limite marine et la troposphère libre.L’analyse des phénomènes complexes de l’écoulement atmosphérique au niveau de l’île a pour but initial de caractériser les transferts de polluants émis localement. Cette étude a deux applications : • La première rentre dans le cadre préparatoire à la mise en place, à 2200 m d’altitude sur le Piton Maïdo, de l’observatoire atmosphérique de l’OPAR, à l’horizon 2011. L’objectif est de comprendre les circulations locales induites par le relief et les transports associés afin de discriminer d’éventuelles pollutions par les sources locales sur le signal qui sera mesuré in situ au sommet du Maïdo.• La seconde vise à étudier la diffusion des panaches volcaniques du Piton de la Fournaise. L’éruption majeure d’avril 2007 du volcan réunionnais a montré que des panaches pouvaient générer d’importantes pollutions dans diverses parties de l’île allant jusqu’à poser de réels problèmes environnementaux et de santé publique.Ces applications s’appuient sur une étude par modélisation numérique à haute résolution des écoulements atmosphériques dans les basses couches au niveau de l’île, au moyen du modèle météorologique de recherche MésoNH, permettant de conduire un ensemble de simulations sur cas idéalisés puis sur cas réels avec diffusion de traceurs passifs. / Reunion Island is an isolated mountainous island in Indian Ocean culminating in the center at 3000 m and in the southern part at 2600 m asl and is located in the influence of very regular south-easterly trade winds. The perturbation of the prevailing humid trade wind flow by the complex topography causes large spatial variations in local weather. The analysis of atmospheric circulations at local scale has been conducted with the aim of improving the understanding of small-scale transport and dispersion of pollutants emitted from local sources. This study has two applications:• It takes part in the perspective of the new atmospheric research station of Piton Maïdo, a summit at 2200 m above sea level on the west coast of the island, in the frame of the developing Atmospheric Physics Observatory of La Reunion (Observatoire de Physique de l’Atmosphère de la Réunion, OPAR as French acronym). The objective is to examine to what extent local orographic perturbations of the synoptic wind and local wind systems are responsible for vertical export of air pollutants originating from the island boundary layer, and could affect ground-based measurements at the future Piton Maïdo observatory devoted to the monitoring of background atmospheric composition (greenhouse gases and aerosols).• The second one aims to investigate the behavior of the volcanic plumes from the Piton de la Fournaise. During the April-May 2007 eruption, large amounts of volcanic gases, particles and ash were released into the atmosphere causing air-pollution at several inhabited locations. In this work, the three-dimensional, non-hydrostatic, limited-area numerical model, MESONH, was run in high resolution to simulate features of airflows over Reunion Island in idealized and real conditions. Various passive tracers have been released in the model in order to characterize dynamical processes in the lower atmospheric layers and the related transport of air-masses.