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Investigation of helicopter downwash effect on pedestrian comfort using CFD
Date Issued
2019-12-04
Date Available
2020-08-06T15:48:29Z
Abstract
This study employed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to investigate the impact of helicopter downwash on pedestrian comfort in a representative low-rise streetscape. A time-averaged approach was adopted, where propulsion from the helicopter blades was included using the so-called rotor disc method, as implemented in the open-source software OpenFoam. The modelling approach was validated by comparing downstream air velocities with experimental measurements. The effect of helicopter downwash on pedestrian comfort in a low-rise built environment, representative of an Irish city streetscape, was then analysed. It was found that pedestrian comfort significantly decreased in the immediate vicinity of the helicopter, while minor propagating effects were felt further downstream. The effects of building height, street width and prevailing winds were then examined. In general, it was found that taller buildings tended to improve street-level pedestrian comfort, while narrow streets surrounded by tall buildings tended to funnel the downwash towards the street level, decreasing pedestrian comfort. The main conclusion is that although the effect of helicopter downwash is smaller in magnitude compared with that of prevailing winds, a local mitigation must be established to deal with it.
Type of Material
Journal Article
Publisher
ICE Publishing
Journal
Infrastructure Asset Management
Volume
8
Issue
3
Start Page
133
End Page
140
Copyright (Published Version)
2019 ICE Publishing
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
ISSN
2053-0242
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
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