Modeling of Airborne Debris around Overplow Deflectors during High-Speed Snowplowing

Abstract

An engineering model is presented to calculate the trajectory of airborne debris that adversely affects visibility during high-speed snow plowing. Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations are solved numerically with turbulence-modeling, particle-tracking, and cutting-edge approximations. Results suggest snow can be divided into splash and snow cloud when engineering treatments to improve visibility for snowplow drivers and following traffic. Calculated results confirm the findings of windtunnel and road tests, specifically that the trap angle of overplow deflectors should be less than 50° to eliminate snow debris blowing over the top of the plow onto the windscreen.