A Modified k-ε Turbulence Model for Heavy Gas Dispersion in Built-Up Environment

Abstract

For hazard assessment purposes, the dispersion of gases in complex urban areas is often a scenario to be considered. However, predicting the dispersion of heavy gases is still a challenge. In Germany, the VDI Guideline 3783, Part 1 and 2 is widely used for gas dispersion modelling. Whilst Part 1 uses a gauss model for calculating the dispersion of light or neutrally buoyant gases, Part 2 uses wind tunnel experiments to evaluate the heavier-than-air gas dispersion in generic built up areas. In practice, with this guideline, it is often not possible to adequately represent the existing obstacle configuration. To overcome this limitation, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods could be used. Whilst CFD models can represent obstacles in the dispersion area correctly, actual publications show that there is still further research needed to simulate the atmospheric flow and the heavy gas dispersion. This paper presents a modified k-ε-turbulence model that was developed in OpenFOAM v5.0 (England, London, The OpenFOAM Foundation Ltd Incorporated) to enhance the simulation of the atmospheric wind field and the heavy gas dispersion in built-up areas. Wind tunnel measurements for the dispersion of neutrally buoyant and heavy gases in built-up environments were used to evaluate the model. As a result, requirements for the simulation of the gas dispersion under atmospheric conditions have been identified and the model showed an overall good performance in predicting the experimental values.