Effects of Row Spaces on Windproof Effectiveness of Simulated Shrubs With Different Form Configurations

Abstract

Abstract A better understanding of the distribution of the airflow field and wind velocity around the simulated shrubs is essential to provide optimized design and maximize the windproof efficiency of the wind barriers. In this study, a profiling set of Pitot Tubes was used to measure the airflow field and wind velocity of simulated shrubs by wind tunnel simulation. The effects of form configurations and row spaces of simulated shrubs on windproof effectiveness were in‐depth analyzed. We come to the following results: The weakening strength to wind velocities of hemisphere‐shaped and broom‐shaped shrubs at 26.25 cm was mainly concentrated below 2 cm near the basal and 6–14 cm in the middle‐upper part, while the spindle‐shaped shrubs were at 0.2–14 cm above the canopy, which meant the windproof effect of spindle‐shaped shrubs was better than that of hemisphere‐shaped and broom‐shaped. With the improvement of row spaces, the weakening height to wind velocities of the hemisphere‐shaped shrubs at 35 cm was concentrated below 2 cm except for the 6–14 cm at 26.25 cm. The designed windbreaks with Nitraria tangutorum, which reduced the wind velocity among the windbreaks more effectively compared to behind the windbreaks. In the wind control system of Ulan Buh Desert, the hemisphere‐shaped windbreak should be applied as near‐surface barriers, and the windbreaks of broom‐shaped and spindle‐shaped can be used as shelterbelts above the near‐surface. These analytical findings can offer theoretical guidelines on how to arrange the wind barriers for preventing wind erosion in the most convenient and efficient ways.

Keywords

• simulated shrubs
• row spaces
• form configurations
• airflow field
• wind tunnel experiment