Numerical modeling of passive scalar dispersion in an urban canopy layer

A turbulent dispersion model describing the dispersion of a passive scalar from a localized source released in a built-up environment (urban area) is presented. The proposed model simulates both the flow field in the urban complex using the ensemble-averaged, three-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations with a standard k – ε turbulence closure model and the turbulent diffusion using transport equations for the mean concentration and concentration variance of the scalar. Two models for the scalar dissipation rate, required to close the transport equation for concentration variance, are investigated. Results of a detailed comparison of the flow and turbulent dispersion between a comprehensive water channel experiment and the model predictions are presented. The water channel experiment is unique in the sense that it includes data obtained from the dispersion of both continuous and nearly instantaneous releases of a tracer from a point source located within a regular array of building-like obstacles, and this data include measurements of both the mean concentration and concentration variance.