A simple vortex model of a thunderstorm downburst – A parametric evaluation

Jesson, M and Sterling, M ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2119-592X (2018) A simple vortex model of a thunderstorm downburst – A parametric evaluation. Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, 174. pp. 1-9. ISSN 0167-6105

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Abstract

Thunderstorm downbursts are short-lived, transient extreme wind events which can cause wind speeds equivalent to a category EF3 tornado (∼150mph). The complex flow field which they produce has previously been the subject of time-expensive numerical modelling. However, it is well-known that there is a large, random variation in full-scale downbursts and so a quick, easily varied model would be of benefit to engineers calculating dynamic loading on structures. This paper introduces a simple and computationally inexpensive vortex model of a downburst, which is shown to model the main features of the flow field in a physically simulated thunderstorm downburst to an appropriate degree of accuracy.