1305.6955 (Theo Odijk)

A Tree Swaying in a Turbulent Wind: A Scaling Analysis    [PDF]

Theo Odijk

A tentative scaling theory is presented of a tree swaying in a turbulent wind. It is argued that the turbulence of the air within the crown is in the inertial regime, An eddy causes a dynamic bending response of the branches according to a time criterion. The resulting expression for the penetration depth of the wind yields an exponent which is in agreement with that pertaining to the morphology of the tree branches. An energy criterion shows that the dynamics of the branches is basically passive. The possibility of hydrodynamic screening by the leaves is discussed.

View original: http://arxiv.org/abs/1305.6955