(54cj) Improved Along-Wind Dispersion Coefficient Model from Field and Wind Tunnel Data

Modeling the effects of along-wind dispersion is particularly important for instantaneous, finite-duration, and time-varying releases of hazardous, toxic, or flammable materials. Current models can under or over predict the along-wind dispersion coefficient, σ_x, by a factor of 100, resulting in poor assessment of the consequences of a hazardous chemical release. Past field trial and wind tunnel data has been analyzed to improve the parameterization of σ_x. An ongoing experimental program studying finite duration releases of neutrally buoyant gasses released from a ground-level, area source in a wind tunnel is underway to improve how finite duration releases are modeled.