Concentration fluctuations in a smoke plume

Abstract

Previous research results are reviewed and used to derive a new set of analytical formulas for predicting concentration fluctuations in smoke plumes. The meandering plume approach and the internal plume approach are compared. Some simple models are tested with field and laboratory data sets, showing that several aspects of the data (e.g. the concentration fluctuations on the plume axis) are reasonably wellsimulated. However, there is much room for improvement, since the models have some fundamental disagreements and much more testing with data should take place. In particular, a good knowledge of the Lagrangian time scale is essential for predicting concentration fluctuations.