A Wind Tunnel Simulation of Windproof Effectiveness of Simulated Shrubs with Different Spatial Configurations

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 efficiency of the windbreak forests. In this study, a profiling set of Pitot Tube 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 studied. 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 root 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 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 only concentrated below 2 cm near the root exclude for the 6-14 cm at 26.25 cm, which presented the hemisphere-shaped shrubs were not suitable for the layout of wide row space. Further, the form configurations of simulated shrubs had a stronger influence on wind velocity than row spaces. Moreover, the designed windbreaks with Nitraria tangutorum, which more effectively reduced the wind velocity among the windbreaks compared to behind the windbreaks. In the wind control system, the hemisphere-shaped windbreaks 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 offer theoretical guidelines on how to arrange the windbreak forests for preventing wind erosion in the most convenient and efficient ways.