Modelling Transport and Dispersion of Effluent Outfalls

The accuracy, applicability and limitations of several kinds of models to simulate the dispersion processes are discussed. An Eulerian-lagrangian model based on the advection of particles is presented. This model is particularly adequate to study plumes with high concentration gradients like those developed by outfall discharges. The model uses the velocity field computed by a 2D depth-integrated hydrodynamical model. The linkage of the near and far field solutions is taken into account using particles of variable thickness. The initial thickness is estimated using an empiric relation for the near field depending on the local discharge conditions. Some results are presented and discussed.