Analytical model for dispersion of rocket exhaust : source size impact assessment

Abstract

This work presents sensitivity tests of a model for calculation of rocket effluent dispersion, with respect to the source size. The model employs the Generalized Integral Laplace Transform Technique (GILTT) to solve, analytically, the advection – diffusion equation. By employing different virtual sources, the point source was changed into volume sources with previously defined crosswind radius (0, 10, 25 and 50 m), and the impact of such modification was assessed in terms of the vertical distribution of atmospheric contaminants and the concentration fields close to the surface. The tests were conducted for cases of stable and unstable planetary boundary layer.