DPM (Discrete Phase Model ): Snowfall

This research examined snowfall patterns within a park environment utilizing the Discrete Phase Material (DPM) approach. The simulation incorporated two material types: air as the continuous phase and discrete snow particles. Particle movement trajectories throughout the park space were tracked and analyzed using Ansys Fluent computational software.

Modeling Approach

The three-dimensional geometric model was developed through Spaceclim software. For computational analysis, an unstructured mesh containing 1,553,972 elements was created in the Ansys meshing module, with the Curvature Method applied to enhance resolution in areas requiring greater computational precision.

Simulation Parameters

The computational model operated under several key assumptions:

• Flow equations were not solved

• Time-dependent (transient) simulation approach

• Gravitational acceleration of 9.81 m/s² applied downward along the y-axis

The DPM configuration included:

• Surface velocity inlet injection

• Rosin-Rammler diameter distribution

• Particle diameter range: 1×10⁻⁴m (minimum, mean, and maximum)

• Mass flow rate: 1×10⁻²⁰ kg/s

• Material properties included air and inert particles with density of 1550 kg/m³

Boundary Conditions

• Inlet: Velocity inlet (0 m/s) with DPM escape condition

• Symmetry conditions applied to symmetrical boundaries

• Wall conditions (stationary, no-slip, wall film) applied to bench, ground, leaves, road, and wood elements

• Standard initialization method implemented

The simulation results yielded particle tracking data throughout the park environment, with accompanying snowfall animation documentation.