A comparison between computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and wind tunnel observations on flow above a complex terrain

Wind tunnel testing using reduced scale topography models is a mature technique [1] that enables the investigation of various aspects of wind flows from pollutant dispersion [2] to wind field modifications [3] affected by terrain. Alternatively, or in conjunction with a wind tunnel study, a rigorously developed computational technique would have the potential to provide additional and useful information. In the current study, direct comparisons are made between mean flow field characteristics determined from a wind tunnel model study and a computational simulation of an identical model by solving the RANS equations with the kturbulence model and subsequently extracting part of the computational domain for LES simulation. The comparison aims to establish a benchmark for further study of numerical modelling of wind flow above complex terrain.