Experimental, numerical, and analytical models for a dispersion study

Wind tunnel tests, computational fluid dynamics simulations, and Gaussian models are employed for a dispersion study in nonuniform atmospheric boundary layer conditions with releases affected by neighboring building wake entrainment and topography. A vertical stack release and a horizontal crosswind release are subjected to both qualitative (plume trajectory and geometry) and quantitative (concentration) analysis. The results of the three modeling approaches (experiments, computational fluid dynamics simulations, and Gaussian models) are compared, their relative strengths are discussed, and conclusions are presented. It is suggested that a combined numerical (computational fluid dynamics) and physical (wind tunnel) modeling approach might benefit atmospheric dispersion studies in complex, nonuniform atmospheric environments.