Large-Eddy Simulation Analysis on the Area of Influence of Local Hilly Terrains on Plume Dispersion Released from a Stack

In this study, we conducted large-eddy simulations of turbulent flows and plume dispersion over idealized two-dimensional double steep hills. In the simulations, we investigated the distribution patterns of the mean plume concentrations, considering various distances between the hills and emission sources. Our objective was to provide information on the area of influence of local hilly terrains on plume dispersion from the viewpoint of accuracy, i.e., determining if the conventional Gaussian plume model can accurately predict plume concentrations. The result showed that the clockwise circulation was dominant in the area between the windward and leeward hills (valley) when the valley width was less than 10 times the hill height (H). This circulation makes the flow close to the stack remain in the valley, resulting in the higher concentrations in the valley than in wider-valley (> 10H valley) cases. The effect of the leeward hill on the flow field was negligible when the valley width was greater than 10H. In the area beyond 20H from the crest of the windward hill, estimated plume spreads for all cases were similar, indicating that the area of influence of the hills was approximately 20H.