Application of the kappa-epsilon turbulence model to the high Reynolds number skimming flow field of an urban street canyon

A two-dimensional, steady, k-epsilon turbulence model was used to investigate the high Reynolds number skimming flow field of an urban street canyon. We describe the critical canyon width-to-height ratios that distinguish a cascade of vortex patterns that form in an urban street canyon. Details of the flow held are reported that includes the structure of the mean flow field, turbulent kinetic energy, turbulent length scale, turbulent eddy viscosity. and Reynolds stress for three typical different aspect ratios, W/H, of a street canyon. The consequences of vortex layering on vertical transport are explored. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.