Estudo do ciclo diário da camada limite planetária através da simulação dos grandes turbilhões

Abstract

The PBL is the region on the troposphere characterized by existence of turbulence (BUSINGER, 1981). Turbulent flow is that when the fluctuations of the variables that describe the flow are amplified in time and space (LANDAU; LIFSHITZ, 1959). The study of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) through the computational fluid dynamics, particularly the large eddie simulation (LES) is an important tool and driven by constant improvement of computing resources. The use of numerical simulations has some advantages over other techniques because it gives a full description of the vertical extent of the PBL. However, it also shows its limitations by simplifications in the equations solved and approximations of numerical methods. The technique employed in the construction of LES models utilizes the volumeavarege to solve the equations of motion for a particle of fluid. With this procedure is expects to solve these equations for large eddies, in which it is believed to be the most turbulent kinetic energy. We solved this scale. Therefore, we solve the scales associated to the large eddies. The rest of the turbulent scales, that is, the smaller scales are approximated by a subfilter or subgrid model. The separation between the scales resolved and subfilter is made by a process of filtering. The width of this filter is directly related to resolution of the grid computing. In this work we establish a comparison between the results obtained from the Moeng s LES model (MOENG, 1984) with experimental data obtained in the PBL. In addition, are accomplished comparisons with results from other models. Futhermore, were generated turbulent statisticals, which describe the flow in approch based on the turbulent statistical theory. To perform this task, were used for initial conditions and forcing the surface to a good weather day at the experimental site of Candiota. The performance of the LES model to reproduce the experimental data was considered satisfactory. However, the model was less effective in simulating the turbulent night. For this period is necessary a higher resolution grid.