Characterizing the Turbulent Wind Flow Near a Wind Barrier Using a Data Set Collected with an Array of Sonic Anemometers

Abstract : An array of 10 sonic anemometers was used to observe the mean wind and turbulence near an artificial wind barrier at the High Speed Test Track facility on Holloman Air Force Base, NM. In order to test the effectiveness of such barriers in reducing cross-track winds, a prototype barrier was constructed using a polyester screen material rated as providing 30% porosity. The barrier dimensions were 100 m in length and 5 m in height. Turbulent wind data, with 20 Hz sampling frequency, were collected continuously over a four-day period using 10 sonic anemometers arranged in an array across the middle of the wind barrier. This report reviews literature related to this research and test, and describes the experimental design of the wind barrier and instrumentation. The document also reports on the analysis method and preliminary results of the mean wind and turbulent characteristics at the leeside of the wind barrier. The influences of wind direction and the atmospheric surface layer stability condition on the barrier effectiveness are also investigated. The report provides some suggestions on possible improvements for a future full-scale wind barrier construction based on the field test results.