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Dispersion of a point-source release of a passive scalar through an urban-like array for different wind directions

Dispersion of a point-source release of a passive scalar through an urban-like array for different wind directions
Dispersion of a point-source release of a passive scalar through an urban-like array for different wind directions
The dispersion of a point-source release of a passive scalar in a regular array of cubical, urban-like, obstacles is investigated by means of direct numerical simulations. The simulations are conducted under conditions of neutral stability and fully rough turbulent flow, at a roughness Reynolds number of Re ? = 500. The Navier–Stokes and scalar equations are integrated assuming a constant rate release from a point source close to the ground within the array. We focus on short-range dispersion, when most of the material is still within the building canopy. Mean and fluctuating concentrations are computed for three different pressure gradient directions (0°, 30°, 45°). The results agree well with available experimental data measured in a water channel for a flow angle of 0°. Profiles of mean concentration and the three-dimensional structure of the dispersion pattern are compared for the different forcing angles. A number of processes affecting the plume structure are identified and discussed, including: (i) advection or channelling of scalar down ‘streets’, (ii) lateral dispersion by turbulent fluctuations and topological dispersion induced by dividing streamlines around buildings, (iii) skewing of the plume due to flow turning with height, (iv) detrainment by turbulent dispersion or mean recirculation, (v) entrainment and release of scalar in building wakes, giving rise to ‘secondary sources’, (vi) plume meandering due to unsteady turbulent fluctuations. Finally, results on relative concentration fluctuations are presented and compared with the literature for point source dispersion over flat terrain and urban arrays
0006-8314
367-394
Branford, S.
b3cb17f7-3c04-47be-9b9e-2e9e1f102199
Coceal, O.
da233575-2c0b-4e62-8aa8-32187bd2fbdd
Thomas, T. G.
bccfa8da-6c8b-4eec-b593-00587d3ce3cc
Belcher, S. E.
d41346dc-063d-4f47-ad35-0cf9bc2eefad
Branford, S.
b3cb17f7-3c04-47be-9b9e-2e9e1f102199
Coceal, O.
da233575-2c0b-4e62-8aa8-32187bd2fbdd
Thomas, T. G.
bccfa8da-6c8b-4eec-b593-00587d3ce3cc
Belcher, S. E.
d41346dc-063d-4f47-ad35-0cf9bc2eefad

Branford, S., Coceal, O., Thomas, T. G. and Belcher, S. E. (2011) Dispersion of a point-source release of a passive scalar through an urban-like array for different wind directions. Boundary-Layer Meteorology, 139 (3), 367-394. (doi:10.1007/s10546-011-9589-1).

Record type: Article

Abstract

The dispersion of a point-source release of a passive scalar in a regular array of cubical, urban-like, obstacles is investigated by means of direct numerical simulations. The simulations are conducted under conditions of neutral stability and fully rough turbulent flow, at a roughness Reynolds number of Re ? = 500. The Navier–Stokes and scalar equations are integrated assuming a constant rate release from a point source close to the ground within the array. We focus on short-range dispersion, when most of the material is still within the building canopy. Mean and fluctuating concentrations are computed for three different pressure gradient directions (0°, 30°, 45°). The results agree well with available experimental data measured in a water channel for a flow angle of 0°. Profiles of mean concentration and the three-dimensional structure of the dispersion pattern are compared for the different forcing angles. A number of processes affecting the plume structure are identified and discussed, including: (i) advection or channelling of scalar down ‘streets’, (ii) lateral dispersion by turbulent fluctuations and topological dispersion induced by dividing streamlines around buildings, (iii) skewing of the plume due to flow turning with height, (iv) detrainment by turbulent dispersion or mean recirculation, (v) entrainment and release of scalar in building wakes, giving rise to ‘secondary sources’, (vi) plume meandering due to unsteady turbulent fluctuations. Finally, results on relative concentration fluctuations are presented and compared with the literature for point source dispersion over flat terrain and urban arrays

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Published date: July 2011
Organisations: Aerodynamics & Flight Mechanics, Engineering Science Unit

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Local EPrints ID: 172479
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/172479
ISSN: 0006-8314
PURE UUID: c42b28d3-c395-4cd6-bc69-0d5c565701b9

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Date deposited: 28 Jan 2011 08:25
Last modified: 14 Mar 2024 02:29

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Contributors

Author: S. Branford
Author: O. Coceal
Author: T. G. Thomas
Author: S. E. Belcher

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