A Gaussian Plume Model of Atmospheric Dispersion Based on Second-Order Closure

Abstract

A practical model of atmospheric dispersion of a passive tracer based on systematic reduction of the second-order closure transport equations using Gaussian shape assumptions is presented. The model is comparable with conventional Gaussian plume models in complexity, but still maintains the capability to also predict concentration fluctuation variance and to utilize direct measurements of turbulent velocity variances in a consistent manner. Comparison with laboratory data demonstrates the model's ability to produce reasonable predictions for the concentration field.