Date of Award

3-2005

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Engineering Physics

First Advisor

Larry W. Burggraf, PhD

Abstract

There are a number of analytical and semi-empirical models that describe the behavior of particulate matter in the atmosphere. Many of these require modification for all types of weather, dry versus wet deposition, and overall effects can be quite non-linear. Rainfall (rate, drop size, etc.), snowfall (rate, flake size, etc.), humidity, pressure, temperature, and combination of these greatly affect particle settling and washout rates. To that end, a method for tracking released constituents using the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) microphysics package is developed by modifying one of the hydrometeor categories (hail) in the microphysics package. The RAMS microphysics package allows the investigator to change the formulation of the parameterization scheme of the model for different applications, such as a regional-scale numerical study versus a small continental cumulus simulation. In this study, four test simulations are conducted, two with precipitation and two during dry conditions, each with two different mean particle sizes. Modified RAMS simulations using the larger mean particle size have similar deposition patterns to the Hazard Prediction and Assessment Capability (HPAC) version 4.04 simulations using location time and meteorological data. Advantages to using RAMS for particulate tracking as opposed to using a non-forecasting dispersion model include more realistic plume and fallout patterns and continuous feedback into the numerical forecast of the tracked particulate effects.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GNE-ENP-05-04

DTIC Accession Number

ADA438203

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