Methodology
Scientific foundation and technical approach to pedestrian wind comfort analysis
Computational Fluid Dynamics Framework
Governing Equations
Our simulations solve the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations for incompressible flow, capturing the complex three-dimensional wind patterns around urban structures. The fundamental conservation equations include:
These equations are discretized using finite volume methods with high-order spatial schemes to ensure numerical accuracy and stability across complex urban geometries.
Turbulence Modeling
Accurate turbulence representation is critical for wind comfort prediction. We employ multiple modeling approaches depending on project requirements:
Standard approach for most urban applications, providing robust convergence and validated results for building aerodynamics
Enhanced near-wall treatment for complex geometries with significant flow separation and recirculation zones
High-fidelity unsteady analysis for critical applications requiring detailed turbulence structure resolution
Atmospheric Boundary Layer Modeling
Wind Profile Implementation
Accurate representation of atmospheric conditions is essential for realistic wind comfort predictions. We implement site-specific wind profiles based on local meteorological data and terrain characteristics.
Terrain Classification
Site conditions are classified according to international standards, ensuring appropriate roughness parameters and atmospheric stability conditions.
Wind Comfort Assessment Standards
Our analysis applies multiple internationally recognized comfort criteria, ensuring comprehensive assessment suitable for different activities and regulatory requirements across global markets.
Widely adopted standard correlating wind speeds with pedestrian activities and comfort levels, based on extensive field studies and observations.
Comprehensive framework developed for Canadian conditions, incorporating seasonal variations and specific activity classifications for urban planning.
Dutch national standard emphasizing pedestrian safety with specific provisions for cycling comfort and outdoor dining areas
Climate-specific thresholds accounting for local wind patterns and seasonal variations in temperate coastal environments
Project-specific standards developed for unique climatic conditions or specialized applications requiring tailored assessment
Validation & Quality Assurance
Best Practice Guidelines
Our methodology adheres to established best practices from leading research institutions and professional organizations, ensuring reliable and defensible results.
Verification Procedures
Multi-stage verification ensures simulation accuracy and reliability through systematic validation against experimental data and analytical solutions.
Grid refinement studies to ensure solution convergence and spatial accuracy requirements
Validation against experimental data for similar building configurations and flow conditions
Assessment of key parameter influences on final comfort predictions and uncertainty quantification
Implementation on windy.so
Our proven methodology deployed through cloud-based simulation platform
Automated Workflows
Pre-configured simulation templates implementing all methodology components, from mesh generation to comfort assessment, ensuring consistent application of best practices across all analyses.
Quality Controls
Built-in validation checks and convergence monitoring provide automatic quality assurance, with detailed diagnostics and recommendations for optimal simulation setup and execution.
Experience Our Methodology
Apply our scientifically validated approach to your wind comfort analysis projects