Abstract
This work discusses the development of a straightforward model of dust devils, demonstrating a method for estimating wind speed and pressure. The current model incorporates momentum equations and the mass conservation equation for steady, axisymmetric, inviscid, and incompressible flow. In this model, the radial velocity is first considered, which is restricted in both the radial and axial directions. The sharpness parameter is also incorporated into the radial velocity formulation, as described by Vatistas model. Using the radial velocity as a foundation, we derive the azimuthal and axial velocities. The study further evaluates the pressure. Notably, for large values of the sharpness parameter, the radial motion near the central axis becomes negligible, indicating the early developmental stage of a dust devil, where the azimuthal velocity exhibits behaviour similar to the Rankine model. Additionally, the axial velocity displays characteristic behaviours that systematically vary with the sharpness parameter. The radial profiles of all velocity components and pressure for different values of the sharpness parameter and at various heights have been plotted. The characteristics of the velocity fields show significant variability based on the investigations conducted in the present study.
Recommended Citation
Kumar, Deepanshu and Jafari, Hossein
(2026)
"Modelling of dust devil flow dynamics: effects of the sharpness parameter on velocity and pressure,"
Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Simulation with Applications: Vol. 6:
Iss.
2, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.53391/2791-8564.1026
Available at:
https://mmnsa.researchcommons.org/journal/vol6/iss2/2