A non-linear extension of the mixed spectral finite difference model for neutrally stratified turbulent flow over topography

A non-linear extension of the mixed spectral finite difference model for neutrally stratified surface-layer flow over complex terrain is developed. The non-linear terms are treated as additional source terms in the present model. The solution is calculated iteratively in spectral space, while the source terms are evaluated in physical space (at each iteration step) with the help of a Fast Fourier Transform algorithm.Results for simple 2D sinusoidal topography are shown to compare well with full non-linear finite difference results. The method, compared to conventional finite difference methods, has the advantage of rapid convergence and substantial savings in computer time.