Influence of vortex dynamics and atmospheric turbulence on the early evolution of a contrail

This study describes three-dimensional numerical simulations of the evolution of an aircraft contrail during the first 30 min following the emission of exhausts. The wake is modeled as a vortex pair descending in a stratified atmosphere where turbulent fluctuations are sustained in the late dissipat...

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Main Authors: R. Paugam, R. Paoli, D. Cariolle
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Copernicus Publications 2010-04-01
Series:Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
Online Access:http://www.atmos-chem-phys.net/10/3933/2010/acp-10-3933-2010.pdf
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author R. Paugam
R. Paoli
D. Cariolle
author_facet R. Paugam
R. Paoli
D. Cariolle
author_sort R. Paugam
collection DOAJ
description This study describes three-dimensional numerical simulations of the evolution of an aircraft contrail during the first 30 min following the emission of exhausts. The wake is modeled as a vortex pair descending in a stratified atmosphere where turbulent fluctuations are sustained in the late dissipation regime. The focus of the study is laid on the interactions between vortex dynamics, atmospheric turbulence and contrail microphysics, and their role in determining the growth and the distribution of ice crystals. The atmospheric turbulence is synthesized using a methodology developed to force anisotropic turbulent fluctuations. The results show the feasibility of three-dimensional simulations of the early development of a contrail in supersaturated conditions before its transition into a contrail-cirrus. %(when radiative heating and sedimentation are no more negligible). It is shown that in case of strongly supersaturated and shear-free atmosphere the optical depth is maintained as the contrail spreads by turbulent diffusion in the late dissipation regime.
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spelling doaj.art-2174ad1ccbd04212963f6cbecd76a3be2022-12-22T02:50:43ZengCopernicus PublicationsAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics1680-73161680-73242010-04-011083933395210.5194/acp-10-3933-2010Influence of vortex dynamics and atmospheric turbulence on the early evolution of a contrailR. PaugamR. PaoliD. CariolleThis study describes three-dimensional numerical simulations of the evolution of an aircraft contrail during the first 30 min following the emission of exhausts. The wake is modeled as a vortex pair descending in a stratified atmosphere where turbulent fluctuations are sustained in the late dissipation regime. The focus of the study is laid on the interactions between vortex dynamics, atmospheric turbulence and contrail microphysics, and their role in determining the growth and the distribution of ice crystals. The atmospheric turbulence is synthesized using a methodology developed to force anisotropic turbulent fluctuations. The results show the feasibility of three-dimensional simulations of the early development of a contrail in supersaturated conditions before its transition into a contrail-cirrus. %(when radiative heating and sedimentation are no more negligible). It is shown that in case of strongly supersaturated and shear-free atmosphere the optical depth is maintained as the contrail spreads by turbulent diffusion in the late dissipation regime.http://www.atmos-chem-phys.net/10/3933/2010/acp-10-3933-2010.pdf
spellingShingle R. Paugam
R. Paoli
D. Cariolle
Influence of vortex dynamics and atmospheric turbulence on the early evolution of a contrail
Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics
title Influence of vortex dynamics and atmospheric turbulence on the early evolution of a contrail
title_full Influence of vortex dynamics and atmospheric turbulence on the early evolution of a contrail
title_fullStr Influence of vortex dynamics and atmospheric turbulence on the early evolution of a contrail
title_full_unstemmed Influence of vortex dynamics and atmospheric turbulence on the early evolution of a contrail
title_short Influence of vortex dynamics and atmospheric turbulence on the early evolution of a contrail
title_sort influence of vortex dynamics and atmospheric turbulence on the early evolution of a contrail
url http://www.atmos-chem-phys.net/10/3933/2010/acp-10-3933-2010.pdf
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