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Transport modeling in the environment using the discrete-parcel-random-walk approach

Conference ·
OSTI ID:7148095

When formulating a mathematical model for simulating transport processes in the environment, the system of interest can be viewed as a continuum of matter and energy or as a large set of small discrete parcels of mass and energy. The latter approach is used in the formulation of the Discrete-Parcel-Random-Walk (DPRW) Transport Model. Each parcel has associated with it a set of spatial coordinates as well as a set of discrete quantities of mass and energy. A parcel's movement is assumed to be independent of any other parcel in the system. A Lagrangian scheme is used for computing the parcel advection and a Markov random walk concept is used for simulating the parcel diffusion and dispersion. The DPRW technique is not subject to numerical dispersion and it can be applied to three-dimensional cases with only a linear increase in computation time. A wide variety of complex source/sink terms can be included in the model with relative ease. Examples of the model's application in the areas of oil spill drift forecasting, coastal power plant effluent analysis, and solute transport in groundwater systems are presented.

Research Organization:
Battelle Pacific Northwest Labs., Richland, Wash. (USA)
OSTI ID:
7148095
Report Number(s):
BNWL-SA-5528; CONF-760407-4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English