A multilayer model to simulate rocket exhaust clouds
doi: 10.5028/jatm.2011.03010311

Davidson Martins Moreira*
Universidade Federal do Pampa
Bagé – Brazil
davidson.moreira@gmail.com

Leonardo Barboza Trindade
Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul
Porto Alegre – Brazil
trindade@ct.ufrgs.br

Gilberto Fisch
Institute of Aeronautics and Space
São José dos Campos – Brazil
gilbertofischgff@iae.cta.br

Marcelo Romero de Moraes
Universidade Federal do Pampa
Bagé – Brazil
marcelomoraes@gmail.com

Rodrigo Martins Dorado
Universidade Federal do Pampa
Bagé – Brazil
rdorado@bol.com.br

Roberto Lage Guedes
Institute of Aeronautics and Space
São José dos Campos – Brazil
robertolagerl@iae.cta.br

*author for correspondence

Abstract:

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.

Keywords:

Alcântara Launch Center, Advection-diffusion equation, Atmospheric dispersion.

J. Aerosp.Technol. Manag., São José dos Campos, Vol.3, No.1, pp. 41-52, Jan. - Apr., 2011
Received on: 11/02/11
Accepted on: 10/03/11