Computational modeling of the wind erosion on a sinusoidal pile using a moving boundary method

Prediction of the wind flow over stockpiles and pile formations is of the utmost importance in the assessment of potential erosion and evaluation of its environmental impact. The simulation of boundary deformation relies heavily on field experience and on numerical and experimental flow field analyses. In this paper, a computational fluid dynamics approach is used to perform the transient simulation of the boundary deformation of a sand pile. Saltation, creep, and avalanche mechanisms are modeled, as they are considered to be the main erosion mechanisms for the sand transport. It is reported the numerical model and its predictions, which are validated against experimental data obtained via wind tunnel tests. The methodology developed allows the evaluation and visualization of erosion on a two dimensional sinusoidal pile, and it can contribute to enhanced understanding and prediction of geomorphologic changes.

► The aeolian erosion of a transverse sinusoidal dune is studied. ► The study includes both wind tunnel and computational fluid dynamics modeling. ► The computational model is based on the concepts of saturated flux. ► Computational results are compared against experimental measured profiles. ► Computational model predicts quite well the pile deformation due to aeolian erosion.