CFD Simulation of Airflow Distribution inside Coconut Tree Canopies with Different Cropping Patterns

Coconut trees around coastal regions are particularly vulnerable to cyclones, which can cause severe damage due to high wind speed and turbulent airflow. The agricultural sector plays a critical role in meeting human needs. A large number of people make their living directly from agriculture. Slender trees like bananas, coconuts, palms, etc., are getting affected and also impacted by natural disasters like cyclones and storm winds, so in the current scenario, it's crucial to know how wind flows around such trees. This paper presents a study using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to simulate airflow distribution within a coconut tree orchard, focusing on two distinct planting patterns — The first case study is the arrangement of trees in a uniform pattern and the second case study is a staggered arrangement. The CFD simulations provide insights into the study of the planting geometry, wind stress on the trees and identify the orchard layouts that can reduce cyclone-induced damages. When the wind blows during a cyclone, its natural frequency shouldn't match the shedding frequency of the vertices striking the body; if they do, there is a chance for failure. The present study contributes to developing more resilient coconut tree orchards in cyclone-prone coastal areas. Also, it offers a practical guideline for enhancing agricultural sustainability by minimizing the impact of extreme weather events.