Streamlines and Generalized Wind Flows

When interpreting the results of a Directional Wind Study in Orbital Stack, the generalized wind flows will be show in color-coded streamlines.


When interpreting the results of a Directional Wind Study in Orbital Stack, the generalized wind flows will be show in color-coded streamlines. To better understand the generalized wind flows, see the diagrams below:

Downwashing

Downwashing

Tall buildings tend to intercept the stronger winds at higher elevations and redirect them to the ground level.  This is often the main cause for wind accelerations around large buildings at the pedestrian level.

Corner Acceleration

Corner Acceleration

When winds approach at an oblique angle to a tall façade and are deflected down, a localized increase in the wind activity or corner acceleration can be expected around the exposed building corners at pedestrian level.

Channeling Effect

Channeling Effect

When two buildings are situated side by side, wind flow tends to accelerate through the space between the buildings due to channeling effect caused by the narrow gap.

If building/wind combinations occur for prevailing winds, there is a greater potential for increased wind activity. Design details such as; setting back a tall tower from the edges of a podium, deep canopies close to ground level, wind screens, tall trees with dense landscaping, etc. can help reduce wind speeds. The choice and effectiveness of these measures would depend on the exposure and orientation of the site with respect to the prevailing wind directions and the size and massing of the proposed buildings.

IMPORTANT

Streamlines are a feature available in all CFD simulations, but exclusively available to monthly subscribers for AI simulations.

Please reach out to your Sales Representative or email sales@orbitalstack.com for additional information.