Subgrid-scale energy transfer and associated coherent structures in turbulent flow over a forest-like canopy

TL;DR

This study uses large eddy simulations to explore how vortex stretching and coherent structures influence subgrid-scale turbulence energy in turbulent flows over forest-like canopies, revealing the importance of canopy morphology.

Contribution

The paper introduces three SGS models incorporating vortex stretching and coherent structures, enhancing understanding of turbulence energy transfer in canopy flows.

Findings

Vortex stretching increases TKE by about 18% compared to classical models.

Flow characteristics differ significantly between immersed solids and canopy cases.

Coherent structures play a key role in momentum and energy transport in forest turbulence.

Abstract

Large eddy simulation allows to incorporate the important driving physics of turbulent flow through forest- or vegetation-like canopies. In this paper we investigate the effects of vortex stretching and coherent structures on the subgrid-scale (SGS) turbulence kinetic energy (TKE). We present three simulations (SGS-d/s/w) of turbulence-canopy interactions. SGS-d assumes a local, dynamic balance of SGS production with SGS dissipation. SGS-s averages the SGS contributions of coherent structures over Lagrangian pathlines. SGS-w assumes that an average cascade of TKE from large- to small-scales occurs through the process of vortex stretching. We compare the consequences of considering a forest of the same morphology as immersed solids or an immersed canopy. Our results show clear differences in the characteristics of flow and turbulence, while both the cases exhibit canopy mixing layers. The results also show that the consideration of vortex stretching resolves about $18$% more TKE with respect to classical Deardorff's TKE model. These observations indicate that the aerodynamic response of the forest canopy is linked to the morphology of the forest cover. Sweep- and ejection-events of the spatially intermittent coherent structures in forests as well as their role in transporting momentum, energy, and scalars are discussed.