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Article
Conceptual and scaling evaluation of vehicle traffic thermal effects on snow/ice-covered roads
Journal of Applied Meteorology
  • Joseph M. Prusa, Iowa State University
  • Moti Segal, Iowa State University
  • Bradley R. Temeyer, Iowa State University
  • William A. Gallus, Jr., Iowa State University
  • Eugene S. Takle, Iowa State University
Document Type
Article
Publication Version
Published Version
Publication Date
1-1-2002
DOI
10.1175/1520-0450(2002)041<1225:CASEOV>2.0.CO;2
Abstract

The potential thermal effects of traffic on road surface thermal energy balance under frost/snow cover conditions have been largely ignored in meteorological evaluations of road ice deposit conditions. Preliminary exploration of these effects, particularly for heavy traffic scenarios with calm wind conditions and an ambient temperature of 0°C, is provided in this study using a conceptual model. Observational data were used to constrain the model, and parameterizations were employed to estimate the various heat transfer processes involved. The results indicate that, for heavy traffic situations, as well as for stopped traffic at intersections, the traffic thermal flux contribution at the surface is noticeable in a wide range of possible frost/snow-covered road conditions. The sensitivity to variation in traffic density, speed, and the emissivity of vehicle radiative surfaces, among others, is evaluated. Simple quantification of these traffic thermal effects, which might be considered in operational meteorological model forecasting of icy road conditions, is offered.

Comments

This article is from Journal of Applied Meteorology 41 (2002): 1225, doi: 10.1175/1520-0450(2002)041<1225:CASEOV>2.0.CO;2. Posted with permission.

Copyright Owner
American Meteorological Society
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Joseph M. Prusa, Moti Segal, Bradley R. Temeyer, William A. Gallus, et al.. "Conceptual and scaling evaluation of vehicle traffic thermal effects on snow/ice-covered roads" Journal of Applied Meteorology Vol. 41 Iss. 12 (2002) p. 1225 - 1240
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/eugene-takle/12/