Development of a Windbreak Dust Predictive Model and Mitigation Planning Tool
RC-1730
Objective
Anecdotal evidence suggests that vegetative windbreaks can reduce both vehicle-generated fugitive dust and wind erosion impacts, but there is a lack of computational methods and data to precisely quantify these benefits. Past EPA- and SERDP-funded work has shown that surface roughness and atmospheric stability affect the amount of dust that is transported long distances. Maintaining native vegetation, establishing compatible plantings along roads, or constructing windbreaks could be useful dust mitigation techniques on military training ranges.
The objective of this project is to develop and validate a proof-of-concept computational model for predicting fugitive dust emission and transport fluxes that can be used to design dust mitigation windbreaks. Model development will be accomplished by integrating model theory with wind tunnel experiments and field data.
Technical Approach
The computational model and user interface for simulating near-road fugitive dust transport will be built on top of an existing and widely used model for near-source pollutant transport around solid obstructions, the Quick Urban Industrial Complex (QUIC) dispersion modeling system. QUIC will provide a validated computational framework that will be extended by incorporating a novel submodel for the effects of vegetative canopies on both the wind field and rate at which particles are removed from the air. Prior work suggests that particle removal is enhanced by turbulence, which transports the dust to leaves and other solid surfaces within the canopy. The modeling strategy is to describe the essential physics needed to give useful results while minimizing the inclusion of input parameters that are difficult to accurately quantify. The experimental component of the project will provide new input data needed to describe dust removal as a function of seasonal changes in micrometeorological parameters, changes in deciduous vegetation foliage, and other windbreak characteristics that can be readily measured or estimated.
Benefits
Results of this project will include: (1) technical publications on the theory and practical benefits of windbreaks; (2) an improved dust transport model that will be made available to researchers; and (3) wind tunnel and field data for model input and validation. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2013)
Symposium & Workshop
FY 2013 New Start Project Selections
Points of Contact
Principal Investigator
Dr. Eric Pardyjak
University of Utah
Phone: 801-585-6414
Fax: 801-585-0039
Program Manager
Resource Conservation and Climate Change
SERDP and ESTCP
Document Types
- Fact Sheet - Brief project summary with links to related documents and points of contact.
- Final Report - Comprehensive report for every completed SERDP and ESTCP project that contains all technical results.
- Cost & Performance Report - Overview of ESTCP demonstration activities, results, and conclusions, standardized to facilitate implementation decisions.
- Technical Report - Additional interim reports, laboratory reports, demonstration reports, and technology survey reports.
- Guidance - Instructional information on technical topics such as protocols and user’s guides.
- Workshop Report - Summary of workshop discussion and findings.
- Multimedia - On demand videos, animations, and webcasts highlighting featured initiatives or technologies.
- Model/Software - Computer programs and applications available for download.
- Database - Digitally organized collection of data available to search and access.