Physical‐Based Numerical Model of Inclined Starting Plumes

Abstract

Layer‐averaged equations describing the characteristics of a two‐dimensional unsteady inclined starting plume, which consists of two parts, i.e. a front part and a body part, are derived. A numerical model is formulated on the basis of an explicit finite‐difference scheme incorporating the characteristic method with a specified‐space grid for the body part and the Runge‐Kutta‐Gill method for the front part. The model is calibrated with existing experimental data and the calculated results are then compared with additional laboratory experimental data. The proposed hybrid model incorporates the major physical principles involved. For a wide range of practical applications, the model is capable of predicting such plume characteristics as velocity, thickness, and density.