Direct Determination of Atmospheric Turbulence and Dispersion Parameters

Abstract

A formula is presented for the frequency distribution function of wind direction, P(?), having a lateral intensity of turbulence, σv/?. A simple set-up is described which measures the relative frequency of electrical dc output voltages. An excellent approximation for P(?) is obtained by using this set-up for the measurement of the output of a wind vane. Comparison of the theoretical and experimental measurements of P(?) enables one to obtain σv/?. Sampling duration t and averaging time τ can be arbitrarily chosen or changed, thus giving (σv)t,τ, which defines the lateral dispersion coefficient σy, according to Pasquill's theory.