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Article
An Analytical Expression for Wind-Velocity Profile Within the Saltation Layer
Geomorphology
  • Zinshen S. Li
  • Jinren R. Ni
  • Cesar Mendoza, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Abstract

The vertical wind-velocity profile within the saltation layer is investigated theoretically. New equations for the fluid shear stress distribution in the saltation layer and the velocity profile affected by saltation are derived. The dependence of the velocity profile on the threshold shear velocity, the vertical variations of sand grain velocity, the vertical sand-mass-flux distribution, and the fluid shear stress within the saltation are demonstrated. Velocity profiles with or without Bagnold's focus are predicted. These velocity profiles are not very sensitive to the vertical distribution of sand-mass flux. Predicted velocity profiles are compared with profiles measured in the wind tunnel, and satisfactory agreement has been achieved.

Department(s)
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Sponsor(s)
National Natural Science Foundation (China)
Keywords and Phrases
  • Analytic Expression,
  • Saltation Layer,
  • Shear Stress Profile,
  • Wind-Velocity Profile
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2004 Elsevier, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
6-1-2004
Publication Date
01 Jun 2004
Disciplines
Citation Information
Zinshen S. Li, Jinren R. Ni and Cesar Mendoza. "An Analytical Expression for Wind-Velocity Profile Within the Saltation Layer" Geomorphology (2004) ISSN: 0169-555X
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/cesar-mendoza/5/