Computational modeling of the wind erosion on a sinusoidal pile using a moving boundary method

Prediction of the wind flow over stockpiles and pile formations is of the utmost importance in the assessment of potential erosion and evaluation of its environmental impact. The simulation of boundary deformation relies heavily on field experience and on numerical and experimental flow field analys...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geomorphology (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Netherlands), 2011-07, Vol.130 (3-4), p.299-311
Main Authors: Farimani, Amir B., Ferreira, Almerindo D., Sousa, Antonio C.M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Boundaries
CFD (computational fluid dynamics)
Computer simulation
Deformation
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Erosion
Exact sciences and technology
Geomorphology
Geomorphology, landform evolution
Loose boundary
Marine and continental quaternary
Mathematical models
Moving boundary
Pile deformation
Piles
Saltation
Sand
Surficial geology
Wind erosion
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Summary:Prediction of the wind flow over stockpiles and pile formations is of the utmost importance in the assessment of potential erosion and evaluation of its environmental impact. The simulation of boundary deformation relies heavily on field experience and on numerical and experimental flow field analyses. In this paper, a computational fluid dynamics approach is used to perform the transient simulation of the boundary deformation of a sand pile. Saltation, creep, and avalanche mechanisms are modeled, as they are considered to be the main erosion mechanisms for the sand transport. It is reported the numerical model and its predictions, which are validated against experimental data obtained via wind tunnel tests. The methodology developed allows the evaluation and visualization of erosion on a two dimensional sinusoidal pile, and it can contribute to enhanced understanding and prediction of geomorphologic changes. ► The aeolian erosion of a transverse sinusoidal dune is studied. ► The study includes both wind tunnel and computational fluid dynamics modeling. ► The computational model is based on the concepts of saturated flux. ► Computational results are compared against experimental measured profiles. ► Computational model predicts quite well the pile deformation due to aeolian erosion.
ISSN:0169-555X
1872-695X
DOI:10.1016/j.geomorph.2011.04.012