Big Data from Big Experiments. The WindEEE Dome

Abstract

For several decades now experimental fluid mechanics has been relying on classical techniques mainly harboured by wind tunnels to deal with mostly canonical problems and therefore have lagged behind the newer computational fluid dynamics advances with applications to multiscale, multi-physics fluid phenomena closer to real life complexities.

In most real situations fluid flows experience complex, 3D boundary conditions, time varying initial/inflow conditions and as result most of these flows are three-dimensional and non-stationary. Another characteristic of real flows is that they cover an incredibly wide range of scales and Reynolds numbers. On the other hand, the well-established wind or water tunnel facilities and flumes produce straight and steady fluid flow movements and are usually limited to a certain range of Reynolds numbers.

In view of this gap between reality and physical, laboratory simulations a clear need has emerged recently to renew the area of experimental fluid mechanics with novel facilities and novel techniques that can bring experimentation closer to real life phenomena.

One of the areas that have been marked by recent developments is related to the simulation of multiscale geophysical flows such as wind phenomena and their impact on the natural and built habitat. One of the most recent developments in this area is the Wind Engineering Energy and Environment Dome facility at the University of Western Ontario in Canada.

We would like to dedicate this paper to the 70th Anniversary of Professor Bill George. Some sparse discussions that the corresponding author had with Bill during the last ten years or so sparked some great ideas, and great ideas later translate in great fluid flow multiscale applications.