Particle Image Velocimetry Measurements over Reduced-Scale Complex Topographic Models of Puerto Rico in a Large Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel

A selected set of three regions of Puerto Rico were chosen for their complex topography and the frequent incidence of hurricanes in these regions. The models were built using a MultiCam APEX304 3D CNC at a reduced geometric scale of 1:3100 with the topographic data from the United States Geodetic Survey. The wind tunnel fans were operated at the maximum speed of 20 m/s, and the "Terraformer" an automated roughness element grid was instrumental to model the approach flow conditions. The approach flow matched a target roughness length of either 0.005 m or 0.3 m (full-scale), depending on the upwind conditions of the terrain of every measurement. Wind speed measurements over complex terrain were obtained using a stereoscopic particle image velocimetry system.