A user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) of wall jet analytical and semi-empirical models of downbursts

Downbursts are intense, often damaging, winds produced by downdrafts from storms that strike the ground and spread outward in all directions. Near the surface, the flow characteristics of downburst outflows closely resemble those of an impinging jet spreading over a flat surface, a well-known phenomenon in experimental fluid mechanics. Key features such as high wind speeds, nose-shaped vertical profiles of mean velocity, abrupt shifts in wind direction, and non-Gaussian velocity distributions make downbursts a significant hazard to certain structures. Owing to their resemblance to impinging jets, downbursts have been modeled using various analytical and semi-empirical formulations, which are now commonly used in wind engineering to evaluate structural loads and environmental impacts. This short communication introduces a simple and intuitive MATLAB® software tool that integrates nine well-documented models of downburst-like impinging jets. The tool allows users to visualize radial and vertical profiles of the mean wind components and to export both plots and data in multiple formats. Its interactive interface enables easy adjustment of key model parameters, enhancing usability for research and engineering applications.