A multilayer model to simulate rocket exhaust clouds

• Main Authors: Davidson Martins Moreira, Leonardo Barboza Trindade, Gilberto Fisch, Marcelo Romero de Moraes, Rodrigo Martins Dorado, Roberto Lage Guedes
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia Aeroespacial 2011-01-01
• Series: Journal of Aerospace Technology and Management
• Subjects: Alcântara Launch Center; Advection-diffusion equation; Atmospheric dispersion
• Online Access: http://www.jatm.com.br/papers/vol3_n1/JATMv3n1_p41-52_A_multilayer_model_to_simulate_rocket_exhaust_clouds.pdf
• ISSN: 1984-9648; 2175-9146

This paper presents the MSDEF (Modelo Simulador da Dispersão de Efluentes de Foguetes, in Portuguese) model, which represents the solution for time-dependent advection-diffusion equation applying the Laplace transform considering the Atmospheric Boundary Layer as a multilayer system. This solution allows a time evolution description of the concentration field emitted from a source during a release lasting time tr , and it takes into account deposition velocity, first-order chemical reaction, gravitational settling, precipitation scavenging, and plume rise effect. This solution is suitable for describing critical events relative to accidental release of toxic, flammable, or explosive substances. A qualitative evaluation of the model to simulate rocket exhaust clouds is showed.