E–ε Model of Spray-Laden Near-Sea Atmospheric Layer in High Wind Conditions

Abstract

Abstract In-depth understanding and accurate modeling of the interaction between ocean spray and a turbulent flow under high wind conditions is essential for improving the intensity forecasts of hurricanes and severe storms. Here, the authors consider the E–ε closure for a turbulent flow model that accounts for the effects of the variation of turbulent energy and turbulent mixing length caused by spray stratification. The obtained analytical and numerical solutions show significant differences between the current E–ε model and the lower-order turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) model considered previously. It is shown that the reduction of turbulent energy and mixing length above the wave crest level, where the spray droplets are generated, that is not accounted for by the TKE model results in a significant suppression of turbulent mixing in this near-wave layer. In turn, suppression of turbulence causes an acceleration of flow and a reduction of the drag coefficient that is qualitatively consistent with field observations if spray is fine (even if its concentration is low) or if droplets are large but their concentration is sufficiently high. In the latter case, spray inertia may become important. This effect is subsequently examined. It is shown that spray inertia leads to the reduction of wind velocity in the close proximity of the wave surface relative to the reference logarithmic profile. However, at higher altitudes the suppression of flow turbulence by the spray still results in the wind acceleration and the reduction of the local drag coefficient.