Snowdrift modeling in the CRREL wind tunnel

We modified CRREL’s snow drifting wind tunnel to generate a flow field that simulates the atmospheric boundary layer and installed a trap for measuring the average mass flux. We replaced the previously used activated clay with glass beads and developed a moiré photography system to measure drift profile.We then conducted a series of preliminary calibration tests to verify the similarity of model and full-scale snowdrifts. Two-dimensional calibrations included a Wyoming snow fence and a step. Three-dimensional tests included a right circular cylinder and a rectangular prism. Generally, the agreement was good between model and prototype drift geometry’s. However, there is insufficient quantitative field data available to thoroughly validate the model results.