Development of a Two-Dimensional Finite-Element PBL Model and Two Preliminary Model Applications

A two-dimensional finite-element model was developed for simulating atmospheric flow in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) of the Earth. The finite-element method provides a useful alternative to the conventional finite-difference method in studying flow phenomena that involve graded meshes and (or)...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Monthly weather review 1982-12, Vol.110 (12), p.2025-2037
Main Authors: Chang, L P, Takle, E S, Sani, R L
Format: Article
Language:English
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:A two-dimensional finite-element model was developed for simulating atmospheric flow in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) of the Earth. The finite-element method provides a useful alternative to the conventional finite-difference method in studying flow phenomena that involve graded meshes and (or) irregular computational domains. It also provides a more natural way of incorporating Dirichlet-type boundary conditions. These properties make the finite-element method especially suitable for studying PBL flows. With the Deardorff-O'Brien turbulence scheme, the model generated reasonable results in the simulations of a neutral PBL wind profile and a sea breeze circulation.
ISSN:0027-0644
1520-0493
DOI:10.1175/1520-0493(1982)110<2025:doatdf>2.0.co;2