Development of a snowdrift model with the lattice Boltzmann method

Abstract We developed a snowdrift model to evaluate the height around snow fences, which are often installed along roads in snowy, windy locations. The consisted of conventional computational fluid dynamics solver that used lattice Boltzmann method and module for calculating particles’ motion accumulation. calculation domain was half channel with flat free-slip boundary on top non-slip bottom, an inflow artificially generated turbulence from one side outlet imposed. In addition reference experiment no fence, experiments were set up two-dimensional three-dimensional fence normal dominant wind direction center. estimated flow over characterized by swirling eddy cross section, whereas horizontally diffluent dipole vortex pair leeward fence. Almost all formed windward although also split streaks Our results suggested should be as long possible avoid snowdrifts roads.