Application of turbulent diffusivity models to point-source dispersion in outdoor and indoor flows
Application of turbulent diffusivity models to point-source dispersion in outdoor and indoor flows
The modelling and prediction of scalar transport in turbulent flows is crucial for many environmental and industrial flows. We discuss the key findings of our experimental campaigns which focus on two relevant applications: the scalar dispersion of a ground-level point-source in (1) a smooth-wall turbulent boundary layer flow and (2) a supply-ventilated empty room model. For flows dominated by mean advection, including many outdoor flows, we show how the Gaussian Plume Model provides a good framework to describe the mean scalar field and discuss its limitations in assuming an isotropic and homogeneous turbulent diffusivity. For indoor flows, we explore the balance of the advective and turbulent fluxes and their dependence on the near-source flow field. We use our improved understanding on the scalar transport mechanism in these applications to assess the application of the Eddy Diffusion Model to predict indoor scalar dispersion, and highlight the importance of carefully defining what the turbulent diffusivity coefficient encompasses in different approaches.
Air pollution, Eddy diffusion model, Gaussian plume model, Indoor air quality, Scalar dispersion, Turbulent diffusivity models
Lim, H.D.
82a7e7e8-2ade-44f8-a342-a99c2b9339c4
Vanderwel, Christina
fbc030f0-1822-4c3f-8e90-87f3cd8372bb
24 April 2025
Lim, H.D.
82a7e7e8-2ade-44f8-a342-a99c2b9339c4
Vanderwel, Christina
fbc030f0-1822-4c3f-8e90-87f3cd8372bb
Lim, H.D. and Vanderwel, Christina
(2025)
Application of turbulent diffusivity models to point-source dispersion in outdoor and indoor flows.
International Journal of Heat and Fluid Flow, 115, [109833].
(doi:10.1016/j.ijheatfluidflow.2025.109833).
Abstract
The modelling and prediction of scalar transport in turbulent flows is crucial for many environmental and industrial flows. We discuss the key findings of our experimental campaigns which focus on two relevant applications: the scalar dispersion of a ground-level point-source in (1) a smooth-wall turbulent boundary layer flow and (2) a supply-ventilated empty room model. For flows dominated by mean advection, including many outdoor flows, we show how the Gaussian Plume Model provides a good framework to describe the mean scalar field and discuss its limitations in assuming an isotropic and homogeneous turbulent diffusivity. For indoor flows, we explore the balance of the advective and turbulent fluxes and their dependence on the near-source flow field. We use our improved understanding on the scalar transport mechanism in these applications to assess the application of the Eddy Diffusion Model to predict indoor scalar dispersion, and highlight the importance of carefully defining what the turbulent diffusivity coefficient encompasses in different approaches.
Text
1-s2.0-S0142727X25000918-main
- Version of Record
More information
Accepted/In Press date: 26 March 2025
e-pub ahead of print date: 24 April 2025
Published date: 24 April 2025
Keywords:
Air pollution, Eddy diffusion model, Gaussian plume model, Indoor air quality, Scalar dispersion, Turbulent diffusivity models
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 501746
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/501746
ISSN: 0142-727X
PURE UUID: 94ec3e6c-f118-46db-9092-a732a4f1cc28
Catalogue record
Date deposited: 09 Jun 2025 17:51
Last modified: 22 Aug 2025 02:11
Export record
Altmetrics
Download statistics
Downloads from ePrints over the past year. Other digital versions may also be available to download e.g. from the publisher's website.
View more statistics
