CFD numerical simulation of tornado wind field characteristics

Based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD), a numerical model of tornado generator was established and the characteristics of tornado wind field with a single vortex structure were studied in this paper. Radial and altitudinal distributions of the tangential velocity were presented, and the comparison of the radial distribution of tangential velocity with the theoretical formulas of Rankine vortex model and parameterized cyclone model was conducted, so as to verify the rationality of the numerical simulation results of tornado wind field. Influences on characteristics of tornado wind field were further studied by changing the inlet angle and velocity magnitude. The parameters of each numerical calculation model were given, which include core radius, maximum tangential velocity and swirl ratio near surface. Therefore, the tornadolike wind field with different intensities and scales was obtained. The present method provides a new approach to simulate tornadoes and can be used for study on tornadoresistant building designs.